Allianz UK finance director retires

George Stratford, finance director at Allianz Insurance, has retired from the firm.

Mark Churchlow, previously director of actuarial and planning, has been appointed chief financial officer, replacing Stratford. Churchlow has in turn been succeeded in his old role by Kathryn Willis.

“George has played a major role in the growth and success of this organisation and I am personallyindebted to him for his support during my time as chief executive," said Allianz Insurance chief executive Andrew Torrance in a statement. "I would also like to thank him for the skill and dedication he has shown over many years in helping shape this organisation into the successful and respected company it is today.”

Stratford joined Allianz in 1977, holding a number of positions in the finance division before becoming general manager in 1996 and a director in 2003.

Churchlow has been at Allianz since 1989.

Willis joined the firm in 1999 as a consultant in the actuarial department before becoming director, commercial actuarial, in January, 2004.

“I am pleased that we have been able to appoint two such able people from within the organisation who between them already have 33 years experience of working for the company,” Torrance said.