Allianz Retire+ has tapped experienced financial services executives Catherine van der Veen and Lucy Foster as head of group retirement solutions, client delivery.
In the newly created role, they will jointly manage client relationships, onboard key partners and oversee the implementation of new clients as the institutional arm of the business grows.
Van der Veen and Foster bring some four decades of combined experience to the role, spanning retirement, superannuation, investment management, advice and insurance.
Adrian Stewart, Allianz Australia Life Insurance chief executive, said he was thrilled to welcome them onboard in a year of milestones for the business.
“Catherine and Lucy bring an enormous wealth of insight and value to the team, and we are especially excited to welcome them in a role-sharing capacity, which they have successfully managed over the past seven years,” he said.
“They both have a demonstrated track record of developing successful strategies for client-focused outcomes and have a deep understanding of the retirement landscape and the challenges facing retirees.”
Stewart said this is critical as the firm continues to grow following the launch of its retirement income product Allianz Guaranteed Income for Life (AGILE), which was made available in March this year.
Prior to joining Allianz Retire+, van der Veen and Foster led customer strategy at Challenger in the role of general manager, customer strategy and experience, for almost three years, working across institutional, adviser and direct clients.
Before that, they were chief executive officers and managing directors at Generation Life, leading the business for three years.
The experienced duo’s first job share role was at Commonwealth Bank in 2016–17 where they were joint general manager, strategic projects wealth management. During this time, they led the design of the future wealth management model in the wealth management arm of the bank.
“With a strong background partnering with superfunds, Lucy and Catherine understand the importance of members’ best interests, trustee obligations, technology and operational pathways, and regulatory considerations. All of which are essential moving into 2024,” Stewart added.
Earlier this year, Allianz Retire+ announced a reshuffle of its retirement advisory board with former chief executive of UniSuper, Kevin O’Sullivan; industry stalwart, Geoff Lloyd; and former CEO of Fund Executives Association Ltd (FEAL), Joanna Davison coming onboard.
It also welcomed Andrew Stewart as head of distribution wealth in September.
