Blog Post
An Allianz X Christmas
The Allianz Xers reflect on an eventful year and share how they celebrate the festive season
It’s that time of the year again: Christmas and New Year’s are just around the corner. For many of us it’s the time to review the past year and look ahead to the next one.
2022, however, has been hard. There is war in Europe. The pandemic has retreated but still looms in the background. The global economic environment has changed radically. Tech and growth companies, in particular, have felt the consequences, as well as individuals. Inflation is at its highest level in forty years.
Everything is in flux, but one thing is certain: Allianz X will continue to succeed thanks to its incredible employees, whose passion, pride, and hard work drive it and its portfolio companies to top performance. We enjoy a unique team spirit that extends beyond the office walls, which has been strengthened by our successes and also the challenges we’ve faced.
That’s why we’re wrapping up the year with an article that takes a closer, more personal look at some of our colleagues. Crew Love Actually: What were their highlights in 2022? How do they celebrate the festive season? And what do they secretly wish for? Read on!
What was your highlight of 2022?
“Getting back to the office, meeting and exchanging with colleagues in-person, and celebrating together at team events.”
— Stefan Wachenheim, Manager, joined 2018
“Allianz X reaching a big milestone: A level of assets under management (AuM) of almost ten times more than when I joined. I am proud and happy to be part of such an exceptional growth story and looking forward to building upon it in the coming years.”
— Maya Rollinger, Manager, joined 2018
“Bringing the team together, for example at the Oktoberfest or our Offsite. For me, that’s the best: When it’s not just about work, but also about getting to know your colleagues better and growing closer together as a team.
— Laura Roedern, Head of People & Organization, joined 2018
“It’s been satisfying to see our little company become more prominent in the world by shining a spotlight on the excellent work of our colleagues.”
— Gregor Wills, Head of PR & Communications, joined 2021
“I had the privilege of spending five months with my child full-time during my parental leave.”
— Johannes Walder, Senior Associate, joined 2019
How do you celebrate the festive season?
“By going back to my sunny home country, Portugal. On the 24th and 25th the whole family gets together, and there is a lot of food involved!”
— Filipa Brenhas Sancho, Senior Associate, joined 2020
“By visiting the various Christmas markets in Munich for the first time ever.”
— Luna Wang, Compliance Officer, joined 2021
“I will celebrate Christmas in Brazil, replacing snow with sand for the first time in my life. Is it possible to build a sandman? I will find out!”
— Kevin Harder, Manager, joined 2017
“My partner is originally from Bulgaria. Her family will come to Munich for Christmas this year. On Christmas Eve, as is tradition in Bulgaria, we will cook and eat a variety of vegetarian Bulgarian dishes.”
— Philip Wieland, Senior Manager, joined 2018
Do you or your family have special, interesting, or funny traditions?
“We used to catch fish from the local river and have oven-baked fish for Christmas Eve. Otherwise, I was playing in the German chess championships every year between Christmas and New Year.”
— Nhi Huynh, Senior Manager, joined 2019
“Following an old family tradition of my paternal grandparents, we prepare Hungarian pork sausages with delicious oven baked potato slices.”
— Michael Bradt, Executive Assistant to the CEO, joined 2020
“After the ‘Bescherung’ (sitting around the Christmas tree and giving each other gifts) we play charades, at which my grandma is always the best.”
— Christiane von Truchseß, Junior Communicator, joined 2021
“My dad decorates our tree on the 24th — blasting Pink Floyd, Steppenwolf, and so on. Meanwhile, my mum and I take a stroll in the city and enjoy a delicious lunch.”
— Tamara Teske, Team Assistant, joined 2021
If you could make a wish, what would it be?
“That society returns to the basic values of solidarity and community instead of isolation and acting against each other.”
— Oliver Schwall, Investment Controller, joined 2021
“To bring back order again on earth, to end the wars. Ideally, in such a way that society comes to their senses and focuses on the true issues our planet is facing.”
— Sümer Uysal, Senior Manager, joined 2020
“In my home country, New Zealand, I am used to a hot, sunny Christmas on the beach. This year, I very much look forward to a Christmas in the mountains. So, my wish is: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”
— Johann Kraberger, Senior Associate, joined 2020
“We are expecting our baby girl in a couple of months. This is pretty much everything I could have wished for.”
— Servet Gözel, Information Security Officer, joined 2020
“To have all my family from Peru, Spain, USA, and Germany at my Christmas table.”
— Jessica Matos, Finance Administrator, joined 2016
