Incoming Allianz Australia MD Richard Feledy’s immediate priorities are to advance the insurer’s digital capabilities and improve its client focus.

As reported in a Breaking News bulletin on Friday, Mr Feledy will take over from Niran Peiris, who has been promoted to the group’s board of management, from January 1 next year.

Mr Feledy, who served as chief technical officer for seven years, will move into a newly created Deputy MD role before starting as MD.

“Customer and regulator expectations are rising, so we need to be ready to respond to, and anticipate, these expectations,” Mr Feledy said. “I know if we get things right for our customers, growth and profit will follow.

“If we’re profitable, we will attract and keep the right people. It’s a continuous loop.”

Mr Feledy has worked in the industry for 30 years, half of those with the German insurance giant.

“Allianz is a great place for people to grow their careers, with both Mr Peiris and Mr Feledy being promoted into more senior roles in the company and group,” Chairman John Curtis said. “I’m delighted that we have strong home-grown talent at Allianz.”

In March Allianz announced Mr Peiris would move to Germany to take up his board position.