Insurer Allianz confirms two sudden executive departures

This insurer has been making global headlines regarding takeover interest in a competitor but different changes are afoot in NZ

Insurer Allianz confirms two sudden executive departures

Insurance News

By Maryvonne Gray

Allianz New Zealand has confirmed the sudden departure of its CEO Eugene Elisara and national manager – property, Hayden Chapman and named a replacement for the top spot.

The company, which made headlines around the world this week for making an ‘informal takeover approach’ to QBE, which QBE subsequently denied, would not be drawn on the exact reasons for their departure.

However, it revealed the name of the interim CEO who would be stepping in as a replacement.

“Allianz has announced that Marc Guppy is to be appointed interim CEO of Allianz New Zealand, subject to the completion of standard CEO appointment governance requirements.

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“Marc will be relocating to Auckland,” the company said in a statement to Insurance Business.
 
According to information posted on his LinkedIn profile, Guppy most recently worked as corporate underwriting manager for Allianz Australia based in Perth.

“Marc brings extensive experience across the industry, both at Allianz and beyond. His career spans all aspects of insurance, from claims to underwriting, risk management to team leadership,” the company said in its statement.
 
It concluded its statement by saying: “Eugene Elisara and Hayden Chapman have ceased employment with Allianz.”
 
Elisara was appointed CEO of Allianz New Zealand in October 2014 following former CEO Bruce Watters’ retirement.
 
Prior to that, he was head of broker and client management at AIG before which he was chief administration officer and general counsel for five years.
He also served on the board of the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) until last month.

Insurance Business has approached Elisara for comment.

Chapman told Insurance Business he had resigned from the position to pursue another opportunity. 

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