Allianz Retire+ announces new heads of distribution wealth and life protection

Allianz Retire+ has announced two major local appointments and a new board addition.

Andrew Stewart has been confirmed as new head of distribution wealth, moving from AUSIEX where he worked as head of adviser services.

Mr Stewart has over 28 years’ experience in financial services and has also previously worked at Colonial First State and IOOF (now Insignia Financial) as head of distribution.

“Andrew deeply understands the needs of planners and advisers,” Allianz Australia Life Insurance CEO, Adrian Stewart, said.

“His experience and extensive network align to our refreshed distribution approach to deliver next generation retirement income solutions on platform.”

Meanwhile, Malcolm Weir will join Allianz Retire+ as head of life protection, joining from NobleOak where he most recently worked as head of insurance.

Mr Weir has held leadership roles at Swiss RE in Zurich and GE Insurance London in his 25-plus year career, which also includes a decade tenure at AXA/AMP.

“Malcolm’s experience within life protection and insurance as the General Manager, Life Customer Solutions for CommInsure and most recently Head of Insurance at NobleOak, will be vital in guiding the business to achieve our renewed objectives,” Mr Stewart added.

Allianz Life Insurance North America president and CEO, Jasmine Jirele, has also joined the board of Allianz Retire+ with an aim to “provide global insight”.

“Our vision is clear, we are committed to delivering flexible retirement solutions to superfunds, platforms and advisers,” Mr Stewart said.

“These new appointments at the executive and board level will support our strategic reset in delivering better outcomes for all Australian retirees.”

The moves come after a busy 12 months for the life company which has had a key focus on restructuring business functions and made significant investments in technology and retirement solution infrastructure to support new products.

“As one of the only dedicated retirement specialists in the Australian market, we are committed to leading development in the retirement space," Mr Stewart said.

“We have invested in world class retirement technology and administration services to deliver products with cutting edge platform integration and flexibility to address the needs of retirees. We have also hired product actuarial capability and product marketing specialists to realise our vision.”

Neil Griffiths

Neil is the Deputy Editor of the wealth titles, including ifa and InvestorDaily.

Neil is also the host of the ifa show podcast.