Allianz Worldwide Partners has installed Garry Townsend as Acting CEO following the departure of Craig Dalzell, who left after a leadership structure review.

Mr Townsend, who retired as Allianz Australia’s COO in December 2013, brings “deep knowledge of the Australian insurance industry and vast experience of the Allianz business”, a spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“With a strong commercial background within the organisation, Allianz Worldwide Partners is well positioned to move forward in a new strategic direction under the new CEO.”

The spokesman says Mr Dalzell resigned to pursue new opportunities. He took the role in May 2016 when the business operated under the Allianz Global Assistance brand.

He was Allianz Global Assistance CFO from 2014 and, before that, a director of advisory services financial management for KPMG.

Allianz Worldwide Partners has also confirmed the departure of General Counsel Gavin Byrnes. Richard Ollier will take over his portfolio as Chief Compliance and Legal Officer, a role he assumed last month, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Mr Ollier was previously Americas regional chief compliance officer and VP compliance and legal Canada.