Allianz Australia may use the forthcoming retirement of Chief GM Sales & Distribution Jonathan Poole as an opportunity to broaden its management structure. 

Mr Poole, who oversees the Allianz financial institutions, direct distribution, broker and agency business and a number of associated operations, will leave at the end of the year. 

Sources have told insuranceNEWS.com.au the sales and distribution role, which was created by CEO Niran Peiris early last year, is “a very demanding job”.

Mr Poole, who was formerly chief GM broker and agency, announced his decision on Friday to retire after 14 years at Allianz. It is understood his departure could come some months early as a result of long-service leave allowances.

An Allianz spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au it is “a bit too early” to discuss matters such as restructures or whether Mr Poole’s replacement will come from inside the company.

Mr Peiris told staff on Friday that Mr Poole’s “professionalism, drive and deep understanding of the complexities of the insurance business is widely recognised and respected across the insurance industry”.