Manila / Singapore, 6 June 2016: Allianz, the leading global financial services company, today announced that it has completed the 51% stake acquisition of PNB Life Insurance Inc., the life insurance subsidiary of Philippine National Bank (PNB). The company concurrently announced the appointment of Olaf Kliesow as CEO of the new joint venture, effective 6th June 2016.
This acquisition marks Allianz's entry into a fast-growing insurance market with an established distribution network, and enhances the group's position in Asia Pacific. A key part of the joint venture between Allianz and PNB is a 15-year bancassurance agreement, which will provide Allianz exclusive access to more than four million customers, across 660 branches in the Philippines. The new entity will operate under the future name of Allianz PNB Life Insurance, Inc..
George Sartorel, CEO of Allianz Asia-Pacific, said, “The culmination of this transaction is a significant milestone for us, and part of our strategic priority to tap growth in Asia’s emerging markets. With a valued partner in PNB and under Olaf's strong leadership, I am confident Allianz PNB Life Insurance will accelerate its growth to become the most trusted insurance partner for our Filipino customers."
Olaf brings extensive experience to the role and was most recently head of Allianz's Inforce Management and Business Development, Global Life and Health. He will be based in Manila and will be driving Allianz’s go-to-market programme to introduce the new brand and its comprehensive product suite to the local market. Olaf will be directly reporting into George Sartorel.
“We’re excited to enter the Philippines and to be able to bring Allianz’s best-in-class products and services to this market. Combined with the deep knowledge and dedication of PNB Life colleagues, we will pursue a shared commitment to address the financial and protection needs of our customers, and ensure a smooth transition and continued innovation in our customer solutions,” said Olaf Kliesow, CEO, Allianz PNB Life Insurance, Inc..
Reynaldo A. Maclang, PNB President, said, “Philippine National Bank’s strategic partnership with Allianz adds another milestone in our insurance business as we continue to uphold our commitment to our customers nationwide. The stronger Allianz PNB Life Insurance, Inc. will enable us to create world-class, more customer-centric products and services aimed at helping our clients achieve the financial security they deserve.”
Allianz is a leading international financial services provider headquartered in Munich, Germany, serving over 85 million customers worldwide in insurance and asset management. Within Asia Pacific, Allianz operates a comprehensive product portfolio and diversified growth strategy over 14 markets, with over 10,000 employees in the region.