Shift in DEVK Board leadership across generations
New Boss at DEVK: Michael Knaup Takes the Helm
Get ready for a shakeup at DEVK insurance in Cologne. The current board, consisting of Bernd Zens (61) and chairman Gottfried Ruessmann (63), is stepping down by March 2025 and December 2025, respectively. And the successor to the throne? None other than Michael Knaup (50), already appointed as the future CEO, effective from January 2026.
The powers that be have made their decision: Michael Knaup, with DEVK roots dating back 30 years, will be at the helm come 2026. Currently, he oversees property damage liability operations and IT on the board. With Bernd Zens and Gottfried Ruessmann departing, Knaup will be one of the veterans, alongside board member Dietmar Scheel (59). As Ruessmann puts it, "I'm thrilled to have Michael Knaup as our new CEO, a man who knows the ropes and is ready to guide DEVK into a bright future."
From Insurance Salesman to CEO
Michael Knaup began his journey with DEVK in the '90s as an insurance salesman. Hailing from Cologne, he later studied business administration at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, dabbled as a freelance journalist, and worked for Allianz AG in Munich and Dubai. Back in Cologne, he climbed the ranks from deputy group leader in the central service center to head of the advertising group and, later, head of market and employee communication. In 2007, Michael Knaup became DEVK's press spokesman and head of the main department for corporate communication. Over the years, he's taken on various projects, growing his team to around 200 employees overseeing sales systems and direct sales.
Homegrown Talent Ascending
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In 2015, Michael Knaup joined the board of DEVK Allgemeine Lebensversicherungs-AG, managing project portfolio management/operations, sales systems, and direct sales, corporate communication, and central services. Further board appointments in 2016 led to a redistribution of responsibilities, with Knaup taking on IT, central services, organization of meetings of the organs and committees, and data protection. In 2017, he expanded his portfolio to include property damage product development and property damage operations. However, some of these tasks have since been delegated, and he currently handles project portfolio/operations, IT, and property damage product development/operations. Until Ruessmann's departure at the end of 2025, he'll continue to oversee these topics.
An Evolution in the Boardroom
The departure of Bernd Zens will pave the way for Annette Hetzenegger (58) to fully manage capital investments, including Sach-HUK Schaden, effective from April, with Dr. Michael Zons (49) taking over the Sach-HUK Schaden role alongside his current role. Keep an eye out for more departmental shifts as the generational transition unfolds throughout 2025.
For updates as they happen, check DEVK's official press releases or corporate news section. As of June 12, 2025, there were no publicly listed updates on a new CEO.
[1] To learn more about job opportunities at DEVK, visit their website. For the most current information regarding executive decisions, visit DEVK's official press releases or news section.](https://ots.de/cxNG3q)
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- Michael Knaup's rise within DEVK from an insurance salesman to the future CEO demonstrates the potential for growth in various sectors of finance and business.
- Knaup's appointment as CEO in 2026 marks a significant shift in leadership at DEVK, underscoring the importance of strong leadership in shaping business careers and future success.
