He is currently the Head of Global Strategic Partnerships and Board member of Allianz Partners. Efma’s latest appointment made in anticipation of a new digital reality in the financial services industry

Efma announces the appointment of a new chairman: Jean-Marc Pailhol. He is currently the Head of Global Strategic Partnerships and Board member of Allianz Partners.

Jean-Marc brings a wealth of experience from decades at major banks and insurers. He started his career at Banque Populaire where he spent 15 years, rising to Retail Banking Group Director. He then moved on to Group La Poste to create La Banque Postale and became Director of Banking activities. For the past decade, he has been with Allianz Group, holding a number of executive roles.

From his varied senior positions and especially from the past four years leading Global Market Management and Distribution for the Allianz Group, Jean-Marc brings an exceptional understanding of the major trends that have shaped financial services. More importantly, he is a visionary leader who can see where the industry is heading in the next decade and will ensure Efma serves as an important guide for its members. 

Jean-Marc succeeds Yolande Piazza (formerly of Citi Fintech and now VP Financial Services, Google Cloud, Board of Directors H&R Block), whose active contribution and leadership over the past 3 years has been invaluable. He joins a long-standing tradition of innovative Financial Services leaders at the head of the association, and will represent the first Insurance-industry executive to take the position.

Commenting on his appointment, Jean-Marc Pailhol said: “I look forward to starting my tenure as chairman at Efma. With its 120 financial group members in 133 countries, the organization is ideally placed at the center of innovation, customers, and financial services. Efma can and should play a major role in understanding the tremendous challenges the financial industry will have to face in the near future, and support and facilitate this major transformation”.

John Berry, CEO of Efma, also had this to say: “2020 has been a very disruptive year for everyone. Going forward, the role of Efma will continue to be assisting our members thanks to our extensive insights, knowledge sharing, and best practices from other like-minded financial players facing similar challenges across the globe. The appointment of Jean-Marc aligns perfectly with these objectives. His experience and vision will help Efma evolve and remain a valuable resource for all players in the industry.”