Universal Investment Group, a leading European fund services platform and Super ManCo, has appointed Johannes Elsner (45) as its new Group Chief Operating and Transformation Officer (COTO), effective February 1, 2024. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing and improving the Group’s operational activities and processes, and driving group-wide transformation. Johannes Elsner succeeds Etienne Rougier, who has decided to step down from his role as Chief Operating Officer.
Johannes Elsner is a proven strategic and transformational executive who brings two decades of international experience in leading organisational and technological transformation within the insurance and financial sectors. Most recently, he served as Group Chief Information Officer and Member of the Board of Directors at ERGO Technology & Services Management. During his tenure at ERGO, he also held several key senior leadership roles, including Chief Technology Transformation Officer and Chief Transformation Officer.
His responsibilities encompassed designing and leading organisational and technological transformations, as well as enhancing operational excellence. Prior to his time at ERGO, Mr. Elsner was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he latterly was a member of the senior leadership team of the German office. He worked extensively in Asset Management and Banking, focusing on efficiency improvements and complexity reduction, operating model designs, and operational transformation programs. He holds a first and second state exam from LMU Munich and the High Court of Munich.
Francesca McDonagh, CEO of Universal Investment Group said, “I am delighted to welcome Johannes Elsner to the management team of Universal Investment. His strong track record in spearheading global transformation programs, combined with his value-driven approach, align perfectly with our ambitious goals for Universal Investment’s operational excellence and future growth with our clients. He will be instrumental in driving our performance and strengthening our innovative edge as we continue to position Universal Investment as the global leader in a rapidly evolving industry. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Etienne Rougier for his leadership and contributions to our company. I wish him all the best for his professional and personal future.”
Johannes Elsner said: “I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to Universal Investment’s success story in my new role as Group Chief Operating and Transformation Officer. I truly believe in the great potential of the organization and am looking forward to working closely together with my new colleagues to drive transformation and operational efficiency, with the goal of creating long-term value for our clients, employees, and shareholders.”
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