Allianz Retire+ announces appointments to complement launch of AGILE

Earlier this year, Allianz Retire+ announced that its new retirement income product, Allianz Guaranteed Income for Life (AGILE), will be available from March.

According to the firm, AGILE is a “next-generation retirement solution” that provides full advice platform integration and can be embedded within super funds and account-based pensions.

The solution has been designed to enhance the provision of retirement planning for advisers and was developed in consultation with the adviser community as well as Australia’s largest super funds, retirees and the global Allianz network in established retirement markets.

Allianz Retire+ has now appointed Stephen Armstrong to the newly created role of state manager Western Australia and South Australia, and has welcomed Natalie Philips as NSW state manager.

Mr Armstrong brings nearly three decades of experience to the role, most recently serving as a key account manager for AMP’s platform business.

Meanwhile, Ms Philips joins with over thirteen years of experience in business development gained during her time at Challenger.

Allianz Australia Life Insurance chief executive, Adrian Stewart, said the two appointments will bolster the firm's expertise and will elevate its support for advisers in delivering retirement income solutions to their clients.

“Both Stephen and Natalie bring valuable experience within the wealth space to the Allianz Retire+ team. They are committed to working closely with advisers to make next generation retirement solutions available for retirees,” Mr Stewart said.

“We see huge potential across both the west and east coast of Australia, which is why we have created the new role for state manager for WA and SA to service those regions. Stephen‘s decades of experience and deep adviser relationships across the west coast will be welcomed as we continue supporting advisers to secure greater certainty for their clients in retirement,” he added.

Moreover, Mr Stewart commended Natalie’s sector knowledge of retirement income solutions and annuities, which he said will support the efforts in NSW to deliver solutions to advisers and their clients.

“Natalie has a deep understanding of the Sydney IFA [independent financial adviser] and adviser market, having cultivated strong relationships within the industry.”

In a statement on Monday, Allianz Retire+ said the appointments complement the launch of its longevity solution AGILE, first unveiled in February 2023.

Expounding on this, wealth management head of distribution, Andrew Stewart, added: “We are excited to welcome Stephen and Natalie to the Allianz Retire+ team. Both are experienced professionals in their respective regions and will support in delivering AGILE and future solutions to the market.”

Earlier this year, in unveiling AGILE, Allianz Retire+ noted that it had recognised significant changes within the financial services industry, in particular, the call for greater innovation with retirement income products following on from the retirement income covenant (RIC), which came into effect last year.