’Their expertise will enable us to deliver the best of Allianz to our partner brokers,’ says director of distribution

Allianz Commercial has appointed four new regional distribution managers in a bid to bolster its support for brokers throughout the UK.

The appointees will be based across the south, north, London and south west regions.

They will be responsible for overseeing the sales and distribution strategy for Allianz Commercial and establishing long-term relationships with broker partners and mutual customers.

Mike Thomas, director of distribution for digital and mid-market at Allianz Commercial, said: “Their expertise will enable us to deliver the best of Allianz to our partner brokers and customers and deliver our strategic growth plans.”

The managers

Among the new appointees is Victoria Ashman, who will oversee the south region.

She joined Allianz in 2010 within the corporate partner team, where she managed key partner relationships.

Most recently, Ashman took on the position of a strategic account manager, focusing on some of Allianz’s largest accounts.

Meanwhile, Viral Patel has assumed the role of regional distribution manager for the midlands and south west region.

He joined the insurer in 2005 as an engineering assistant business development underwriter.

In his most recent role, Patel served as the distribution manager for engineering construction and power in the London and real estate markets.

The new structure will also see Mark O’Brien become the regional distribution manager for the north. He joined Allianz in 2011 as a business developer and, in 2017, transitioned to the role of distribution manager for Manchester.

Finally, Julie O’Donovan has been appointed as the London market manager.

In her role, she will lead the broker development manager team and hold overall responsibility for the mid-market distribution strategy within the London region.

This will align closely with the distribution teams for large corporations and specialty segments, explained Allianz.

O’Donovan will report to Alastair Warren-Upham, head of distribution for London at Allianz Commercial.

“Whilst we have strong long-established relationship with our partner brokers, I’m sure that these relationships will develop further with the leadership from Victoria, Viral, Mark and Julie,” Thomas said.