Allianz Retire+ welcomes Victorian state rep

Allianz Retire+ has added to its wealth management team with the appointment of Marcus Cleary as Victorian state manager.

Mr Cleary joins the firm following an eight-year stint at UBS Asset Management, most recently serving as head of wholesale client coverage.

At UBS, he was responsible for developing and implementing sales strategy and retention for the Australian and New Zealand wholesale market.

According to Allianz Retire+, Mr Cleary brings more than two decades of experience across the wealth sector and has developed connections both on a national scale and within boutique dealer groups.

“Having started his career as a financial adviser he shares a deep understanding of the advice community and what tools are required to help support clients, especially when planning for retirement,” the retirement income specialist said in a statement this week.

Speaking on the appointment, Allianz Australia Life Insurance chief executive Adrian Stewart said: “We are pleased to welcome Marcus to the Allianz Retire+ team to support advisers and wholesale clients in Victoria. As a business, we are continually evolving to meet the needs of retirees, advisers, and superfunds, Marcus’ addition is testament to this.

“We are assembling a strong team of industry leaders who understand the advice model and are committed to strengthening relationships as we continue to deliver AGILE to market and other solutions into the future,” Mr Stewart continued.

The head of distribution wealth management, Andrew Stewart, added: “Marcus’ expertise and leadership will be a valuable asset to our growing team. Having experienced managers available to support advisers is critical as we continue to bring next-generation retirement income solutions to the market, and we are pleased to have Marcus on board.”

In May, Allianz Retire+ also announced the appointments of Stephen Armstrong to the newly created role of Western Australia state manager and Natalie Philips as NSW state manager.

At the time, Adrian Stewart said the two appointments would bolster the firm’s expertise and 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.