Allianz mines Direct Line/Zurich for new UK chief actuary

Allianz has mined a new chief actuary for its UK business from Direct Line Group, with a background at Zurich Insurance UK.

Laurence Townley (pictured) joined Allianz Holdings as chief actuary, UK, following 10 years at Direct Line as director of financial risk.

Prior to Direct Line, he held various roles at Zurich Insurance UK including chief actuary. He is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and has chaired the prudential regulation committee at the Association of British Insurers (ABI) overseeing matters such as Solvency 2 and regulatory framework reviews.

Fernley Dyson, Allianz Holdings chief financial officer, said: “As ever, and more so in these challenging times, it’s crucial for businesses to have clear leadership and ambitious targets and I have no doubt the expertise and experience Laurence is bringing to Allianz will aid our future success. I’d like to extend a warm welcome and I look forward to working with him.”

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