Global insurer Allianz has appointed Ms Anusha Thavarajah as its new CEO, Life & Health for Asia Pacific, to advance the segment's strong growth to meet Allianz Asia's long-term strategic priorities in the region.

To be based in Allianz’s regional head office in Singapore, Ms Thavarajah will be responsible for the P&L and functional development of Allianz’s Life & Health business in Asia. She will report to Allianz Asia Pacific Regional CEO Solmaz Altin and serve as a member of the Allianz Asia Pacific Regional Executive Board. Her starting date, expected to be in the fourth quarter of 2019, will be announced in due course.

Ms Thavarajah joins Allianz from AIA in Malaysia, where she most recently led the business as its CEO. She brings close to 30 years’ experience from the financial services industry having served in various senior leadership roles in the UK, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

She received a first class honours degree in mathematics & statistics from the University of Birmingham and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, UK.

Allianz is active in 14 markets in Asia, offering its core businesses of property and casualty insurance, life, protection and health solutions, as well as asset management. With its more than 32,000 staff, Allianz serves the needs of over 18m customers in the region across multiple distribution channels and digital platforms.