Shez Ford, former executive at ANZ Wealth, CBA, and ING Australia, has been named Allianz Australia’s chief general manager, consumer, from August 2023.
In this role, she would lead the firm’s consumer division, which focuses on the distribution of consumer products through its direct and intermediated channels.
She made the move from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) where she had been for four years. She had held the position of the executive general manager, wealth and private, and executive general manager, advice and insurance.
Ford’s vast experience also included eight years at ANZ Wealth, where she had also been general manager of ANZ advice and direct distribution for over two years; 11 years at ING Australia; and eight years at PwC Australia.
Her skills spanned sales, strategy, customer experience, operations management, tax, finance, risk and compliance management, governance, project execution, and leadership.
Richard Feledy, managing director at Allianz Australia, said he was “delighted” to welcome Ford to Allianz and its 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,” he said.
Commenting on her appointment, Ford 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.”
She would replace Mick Winter, who had held the role for over two years, and been with Allianz Australia for over 20 years. He had left to pursue personal interests, the firm 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,” Feledy said.
“I will miss Mick’s exceptional leadership and considered perspective and judgement. I wish him all the very best for the future.”
