Who Founded Allianz?

Carl von Thieme (1844-1924) co-founded Allianz in 1890. Already the successful head of Munich Re, he recognized that Germany lacked a direct primary insurer capable of competing with British firms. He served as the company's General Director for its first 14 years, expanding its operations internationally, including opening a London office in 1893 to underwrite global maritime trade. Carl von Thieme was born in 1844.

Wilhelm von Finck (1848-1924) was the financial architect and co-founder of Allianz. Through his powerful banking connections at Merck Finck & Co., he secured the massive initial capital required to launch the insurer. He served as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, ensuring the company maintained the strict financial reserves necessary to survive catastrophic payouts, such as those following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Wilhelm von Finck was born in 1848.