Allianz Global Investors, part of the Allianz group, has appointed Tobias Pross to lead its business in the EMEA region.

Allianz Global Investors has named Tobias Pross as its new head of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

During his 16-year career at Allianz Global Investors, Pross has held several roles, most recently as head of institutional business development and head of distribution for Europe.

He takes on the new role from George McKay, who has been acting as interim head of EMEA, in addition to his core role as global chief operating officer, since Jim Dilworth left last July. McKay will continue to serve as global COO.

Pross, who will be primarily based in Frankfurt, will now sit on the global executive committee.

“We are delighted that Tobias will now lead this important area of our business. He has shown considerable leadership in refining our client offering and growing our business in EMEA and we are confident Tobias will build on his strong track record in consultative client delivery in this broadened role,” said the firm's global chief executive, Elizabeth Corley.

As of the end of 2014, Allianz Global Investors managed over €412 billion ($462 billion) worldwide.