Allianz Australia is searching for a new commercial division head following the appointment of Phuong Ly to a leadership role in Britain.

Mr Ly will become MD at Allianz Commercial UK from April 3, with responsibilities spanning digital, mid-market and large corporate, plus the engineering inspection, legal protection and fleet business. 

“It’s great to have Phuong join us,” Allianz UK CEO Colm Holmes said. “His current role in Australia means he’s expertly positioned to build an even stronger and fully unified team to serve all our commercial brokers and clients in the UK.”

Mr Ly has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate insurance, including executive roles across distribution and underwriting. He joined Allianz Australia in his current role, chief GM of the commercial division, in 2021.  

Before that he was Australia Pacific chief underwriting officer at QBE and IAG’s EGM of business distribution. He has also held roles at Chartis and Munich Re.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Allianz Australia and it’s been a pleasure working closely with my team to simplify our products, streamline our broker service model and strengthen broker connectivity,” he said.

Allianz Australia says GM of underwriting Andy Doran will act in the commercial role while the search for a permanent replacement for Mr Ly continues.

Mr Doran, who joined Allianz almost three years ago, has three decades’ experience in the industry in a career spanning underwriting and distribution.