Allianz Commercial appoints first chief general manager

Allianz has appointed Phuong Ly to the inaugural role of chief general manager for Allianz Commercial, Australia, where he will lead the new, integrated approach of Allianz SE in its commercial insurance business effective immediately.

Allianz Commercial combines AGCS Australia, which focuses on the group’s large clients, with Allianz Australia’s commercial division operations, which focus on mid-sized, country-based accounts. It will feature a single market-facing commercial lead in each country or region representing Allianz’s business for both large and mid-sized businesses. In turn, this will simplify client experience and communications with distribution partners.

Ly will report to Allianz Australia managing director Richard Feledy in conjunction with AGCS CEO Joachim Mueller. Ly will oversee the streamlining of AGCS’ and Allianz Australia’s underwriting and distribution teams and processes in Allianz SE’s commercial insurance business segment.

“First and foremost, Allianz Commercial is about our customers and brokers – we want to make it as easy as possible for them to engage with us,” Feledy said. “Serving large and mid-sized businesses from the one, global division – Allianz Commercial – provides a clear and easy path for brokers. Allianz Commercial also offers benefits including new career pathways for employees, the sharing of expertise from different parts of the world, and the ability to capitalize on the efficiencies that global scale and capability brings.”

Ly first joined Allianz Australia’s commercial division in October 2021, when he was named its chief general manager. The role allowed him to execute the commercial division’s strategic plans and meet the needs of commercial customers via brokers, underwriting agencies, and Hunter Premium Funding (HPF). Altogether, Ly has two decades of experience in the insurance industry, including several executive roles across distribution and underwriting.

“Phuong will play a key role going forward to bring Allianz Commercial to life in Australia,” Mueller said. “The powerful, integrated approach in a global model combined with strong local execution and delivery will help us to unleash our full potential in targeting new business opportunities and providing new solutions and a wider offering to our customers across the full commercial segment.”