Allianz Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Shez Ford as Chief General Manager, Consumer, from August 2023. In this role, Shez will lead Allianz’s Consumer Division which focuses on the distribution of Consumer products through our direct and intermediated channels, together with our organisational centres of excellence for marketing, digital and customer insights.
Shez joins Allianz Australia from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) where she recently held the position of the Executive General Manager, Wealth and Private, and Executive General Manager, Advice and Insurance. Prior to CBA, Shez spent several years at ANZ Wealth, including a period of time as Head of Insurance Operations. Shez also previously held various leadership positions with ING Australia, thereby accumulating a wealth of experience in insurance, and financial services more broadly, over the course of her career to date.
Commenting on Shez’s appointment, Allianz Australia, Managing Director, Richard Feledy said: “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. This expertise is highly relevant as we continue to grow and evolve our business. I look forward to working closely with Shez to deliver our strategic ambitions.”
In response, Shez said: “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.”
Shez replaces current Chief General Manager, Consumer, Mick Winter. After over 20 years with Allianz Australia, Mick recently decided to leave Allianz to pursue personal interests. Commenting on Mick’s departure, Richard 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.”