Allianz Commercial beefs up UK leadership with new appointments

The newly reinvigorate commercial property & casualty segment of global re/insurer  Allianz has bolstered its distribution leadership as part of its growth strategy in the UK.

Allianz Commercial, the company's unified go-to-market business targeting mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks, has appointed Mike Thomas (pictured) as director of distribution for digital and mid-market, and Andy Montgomery as head of broker distribution management.

The new appointments follow that of Nick Hobbs, who has been named chief distribution officer of Allianz Commercial, with the aim to offer one face to the market and generate opportunities with brokers and clients.

From 1 September 2023 the newly formed UK distribution function led by Hobbs will operate across digital trading, mid-market, large corporate and speciality lines.

Thomas will become director of distribution for digital and mid-market. He will join the leadership teams for mid-market (led by Dave Carey) and digital (led by Helen Bryant) and concentrate on executing the distribution strategy.

Thomas Joined Allianz in 2003 and has undertaken a range of roles across the business including within claims, as an EA to the general manager of Commercial and development manager for Birmingham. Recent senior leadership positions have seen him work across the UK branch network as branch manager for Luton, strategic account manager for national brokers, regional manager South East and regional manager South. At the beginning of 2022 he moved into the role of distribution director leading the strategic account managers and broker distribution management teams while delivering Allianz’s new broker segmentation strategy.

Montgomery will become head of broker distribution management and will oversee the effective delivery of the distribution strategy across the Commercial branch network. In this role he will support in developing the strategy, practices, tools and execution of the plan with particular focus on optimising Allianz’s trading profile and reputation. He joined Allianz in 2005 and has worked extensively across the UK business including account management and development roles working with corporate partners and brokers. Most recently he’s been broker distribution manager based in the Guildford head office but working nationwide.

Hobbs commented: “This is an exciting time for Allianz Commercial. Whilst there’s no need to revolutionise a very strong business, great businesses don’t stand still. Appointing these experts and amending our structure will enable us to continue to be the best for our customers, and ensure we’re fit for the future. Congratulations to Mike and Andy, I have no doubt they’ll be hugely successful in their new roles.”

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