Allianz UK is heavily investing in its commercial digital trading team to accelerate profitable growth in the digital marketplace. This includes new appointments and promotions within the team, and an enhanced focus on seamless digital journeys.
By building on existing strong broker relationships and digital foundations, Allianz aims to solidify its position and capitalise on opportunities in the evolving online commercial insurance market.
Commenting on the new digital trading team, Alex Ktenidis, director of digital trading & Allianz Legal Protection (ALP) said: “These appointments are an injection of talent and fresh perspective into our digital trading teams and they have already created a really strong buzz with our brokers and across Allianz.
“We have implemented a simpler structure with more accountability, attracting top performers from within Allianz and the market, who are laser-focused on making insurance easy so our brokers and customers can concentrate on growing their own businesses.”
Ktenidis continued: “The team has been working hard this year to respond to broker and customer feedback with significant investments in improved platform capabilities, seamless digital journeys and an extension to our products next year – all of which will benefit brokers in 2025.”
As part of these team moves, allianz has appointed Raj Variyar as head of digital distribution. Having most recently held positions at both Aon and Simply Business, the executive brings over 14 years of insurance and banking experience to his new role.
Allianz UK has established a dedicated digital distribution team for the first time, and Variyar will be instrumental in expanding their digital product offerings and strengthening relationships with both customers and brokers, the company noted.
Having most recently served at AXA and Direct Line Group, Emmanuel Peltant has joined the commercial pricing team as head of digital pricing.
Peltant will leverage his over 24 years of experience to help build upon Allianz’s successful pricing sophistication journey where Allianz.
Anneke Graham has been promoted to head of digital underwriting with over 23 years with Allianz and most recently successfully running the digital portfolio team.
In her new role Anneke will have responsibility for setting the technical direction for the account and driving actions to successfully deliver profitable growth with broker partners.
With over 14 years of experience in the insurance industry, Victoria Ashman, formerly the regional distribution manager (South), will step into the role of head of operations and trading. She will lead the trading underwriters and support teams.
Her extensive operational and strategic distribution experience will be instrumental in driving digital adoption with brokers, ensuring Allianz trades expertly how and where our brokers want us to in a seamless manner.
Additionally, Steve Wells has been appointed head of strategic initiatives and change. In his new role, he will be responsible for running the digital platforms and delivering ambitious transformation activities.
Wells has been part of Allianz for over 19 years, having most recently served as transformation business owner.
Other promotions within the new team include Dan Hill as digital portfolio manager, James Preece as digital data manager, Wendy Johnson as digital DA and schemes manager, and Charlotte Billingham as digital development & propositions lead.
