Allianz Australia today announced that the Chairman Mr John Curtis will retire from the Board from 31st December 2019.
As Chairman, Mr Curtis has overseen significant growth at Allianz from a Gross Written Premium of $900 million to a $5 billion group, placing Allianz amongst the top insurance groups in Australia.
Allianz Australia Managing Director Richard Feledy thanked Mr Curtis for his invaluable contribution to the Allianz Australia Board.
“As Chairman, John has played a critical role in the development of the company from Manufacturer’s Mutual Insurance (MMI) to an important contributor to the global Allianz insurance business,” Mr Feledy said.
“John’s broad experience across a range of sectors and his knowledge of financial services through past associations including Chairman of St George Bank and Deputy Chairman of Westpac, has steered Allianz to be a $5 billion enterprise and a leading insurer across many business segments.
“John has also been a strong champion for diversity at Allianz, setting targets for cultural diversity, forging partnerships to promote refugee and youth employment at Allianz, and working for greater female representation at a board and senior management level. John leaves a great legacy in this regard with Allianz on track to meet our gender target of a 40 per cent female leadership team by 2020.”
Mr Curtis said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as Chairman at Allianz Australia and to oversee such significant growth – not just financially but in the role Allianz plays in helping to protect what matters most to our customers.”
“I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank Allianz’s Managing Director Richard Feledy for his strong leadership in what is a challenging time for the insurance and financial services industry. In addition, I have enjoyed working with the shareholder Allianz SE based in Munich. Over many years they have supported strongly the Australian company and have been a pleasure to work with.”
“I would also like to thank my fellow Board members over the period of my tenure. I am confident that Allianz will continue to play a strong role in supporting communities and businesses across Australia.”
Ms Paula Dwyer will take over as Chairman from 1st January 2020. Ms Dwyer joined the Allianz Board in February 2019 and has extensive experience in the public and private sectors across a range of regulated industries, including insurance and banking. She is currently Chairman of Tabcorp Holdings Limited, a non-executive director of ANZ Banking Group and Lion Limited. She was a former member of the ASIC External Advisory Board and Director at Suncorp and RACV. Ms Dwyer has strong industry knowledge and expertise in the areas of insurance, financial services and regulated industries.
Mr Curtis congratulated Ms Dwyer on her appointment as Chairman:
“I am so delighted that Paula has accepted the role of Chairman at Allianz Australia. She is an experienced Chairman with considerable relevant knowledge and expertise which will assist Allianz Australia as it continues its program of change to not only improve business outcomes but also achieve better customer experiences”.
Ms Dwyer said: “I am excited to take on the role as Chairman for a company that has consistently leveraged its considerable expertise and experience to build better communities, better workplaces and to help businesses thrive.
“This is a crucial time for the insurance industry and for Australian financial services more widely, and provides us with an opportunity to renew our focus on our customers and our people.”
Locally, Allianz Australia provides insurance and coverage for over 3.5 million people and businesses. Allianz operates across many business segments including insurance brokers, workers' compensation, financial institutions and motor dealers. In 2018, Allianz Australia was winner of the Large General Insurance Company of the Year (Australia/New Zealand) and named an Employer of Choice in Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Association (WGEA). Parent company Allianz SE is one of the top three insurers globally and a leading international asset manager.