Come March 2022, Allianz Insurance Plc will have its first-ever chief analytics officer who will be in charge of growing the UK insurer’s capabilities in data and pricing.

Making the switch from Willis Towers Watson (WTW) next year is Chris Varley (pictured), who is tasked with delivering a single analytics strategy across the business. He will report to Allianz Commercial chief executive Simon McGinn.

“It’s a very exciting time to be joining Allianz,” commented Varley, “and to be taking on a leading role in the adoption and development of the latest analytic techniques and tools in support of its commercial business.

“I’m looking forward to playing my part as a member of a truly customer-focussed and enthusiastic team, committed to bringing the best solutions and outcomes for brokers and policyholders.”

The key hire’s credentials include time spent at Zurich Insurance where he served as underwriting transformation head. At WTW, he holds the position of senior director responsible for the commercial lines pricing, product, claims, and underwriting consulting proposition.      

Varley will have spent half a decade at the broking giant when he moves to Allianz in 2022. His Zurich stint, meanwhile, spanned 13 years.

“I’m delighted to be welcoming Chris to this new position,” said McGinn. “The appointment of a chief analytics officer reflects our ambition to embed and coordinate analytics across the whole of our commercial business, underlining its importance as a core foundation for our future success.

“Chris brings many years of experience and tremendous knowledge of the market, which will complement the skills of his new team.”