Allianz has appointed Eugene Elisara as CEO of its New Zealand operations.

He joins the company from AIG New Zealand, where he was head of broker distribution and client management. He replaces Bruce Watters, who will retire at the end of the year.

Mr Elisara will join Allianz on November 10 for a handover period.

He is a qualified lawyer who has practised in New Zealand and Australia, specialising in insurance.

He will have responsibility for corporate and commercial broker distribution and promoting the “One Allianz” approach, and will be the primary contact for industry and regulatory bodies.