Top executive departs Allianz to pursue new opportunity

Allianz Holdings, which owns the principal insurance operations of Allianz SE in the UK, has revealed that its chief operations officer (COO) is stepping down to pursue new opportunities outside the company. The news follows a  raft of senior departures and leadership changes at the company, including its CEO Jon Dye who is being replaced by Aviva’s Colm Holmes.

Stephanie Smith (pictured) will leave the company at the end of the year.

Smith joined Allianz Insurance in 2009 as a senior IT manager, moving on to become director, operations for its retail division. In 2016 she was appointed COO, joining the management board. In that capacity she oversaw the complex programme of work following the acquisition of LV= GI, through the joint venture phase and into 100 percent ownership. More recently, Smith led Allianz’s operational response to the pandemic and helped design Allianz’s return to office programme and New Work Model.

The company announced that her successor will be appointed by incoming Allianz Holdings CEO Colm Holmes once he joins the company in December. Holmes will replace Jon Dye in the role. Holmes currently serves as CEO of Aviva General Insurance.

Dye, chief executive officer of Allianz Holdings, said: “Stephanie has played a key role in the success of our business during a period of challenging and exciting changes. On behalf of all of my colleagues at Allianz, I would like to thank her for the significant contribution she has made to the success of our business over the last 12 years and wish her all the best for the future.”

Smith commented: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Allianz and while I am sad to leave, it is now my time to move on and seek out fresh challenges. It has been a real honour to work with such great people and for such a strong global and UK business.”