Ford will join Allianz from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where she was recently the executive general manager of wealth and private and the executive general manager of advice and insurance.
Before joining CBA, Ford spent several years at ANZ Wealth, including serving as the head of insurance operations. She also held various leadership roles at ING Australia, accumulating a wealth of experience in insurance and financial services.
In her new role at Allianz, Ford will lead the consumer division – focusing on distributing consumer products through the company’s direct and intermediated channels – together with the company’s organisational centres of excellence for marketing, digital, and customer insights.
“As a purpose-driven organisation, Allianz’s commitment to securing the best outcomes for its customers and employees is clear. This aligns very closely with my own values, and I’m very excited about this opportunity to lead the consumer team and contribute positively to Allianz and the insurance industry overall,” Ford said.
Allianz Australia managing director Richard Feledy said Ford’s expertise aligns with the company’s aim to grow its business.
“We are delighted to welcome Shez to Allianz and our Australian senior leadership team. As well as her deep insurance industry experience, Shez understands how to continually deliver great customer outcomes, driven by data-led insights and digital innovation,” Feledy said. “I look forward to working closely with Shez to deliver our strategic ambitions.”
Ford will replace current chief general manager of consumer Mick Winter after spending 20 years in the company.
Commenting on the departure, Feledy said: “I would like to thank Mick for his outstanding leadership during his time at Allianz, particularly since he stepped into the newly created role of chief general manager, consumer, in January 2021. I will miss Mick’s exceptional leadership and considered perspective and judgement. I wish him all the very best for the future.”
Winter will leave Allianz to pursue personal interests. The announcement of his departure and replacement follows the appointment of a chief general manager for Allianz Commercial in Australia.
