Allianz Malaysia has appointed Sean Wang Wee Keong as CEO, effective Jan. 1.  He succeeds Zakri Khir, who will retire at the end of this year, after 21 years with the company.

Zakri will remain with Allianz Malaysia as a non-independent non-executive director, while Wang will also become executive director of wholly owned subsidiary Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia).

Wang was previously chief operating officer of Allianz Malaysia and Allianz General. During his stint at Allianz General, he was credited with the transformation of the motor claims system and the introduction of Allianz Road Rangers, a nationwide motor assistance service. Wang joined Allianz in 2004 as head of personal lines. Prior to that, he was head of employee benefits sales at ING Insurance.

“Sean has always demonstrated bold enthusiasm and drive,” said Tan Sri Rafiah Salim, chairwoman of Allianz Malaysia. “Given his familiarity with the Allianz Malaysia Group and its business philosophies, we are confident that he will be able to lead the company to greater heights.”