Allianz hosts successful tenth anniversary of the Allianz Client Academy in Cape Town
Allianz Commercial, a leading global corporate insurance carrier and a key business unit of Allianz Group recently concluded its highly anticipated tenth anniversary Allianz Client Academy in Cape Town. The two-day event, held from April 24 to 26, brought together top risk management professionals from across Africa for a thought-provoking and insightful experience.
The Allianz Client Academy, launched in 2014, serves as a platform for sharing thought leadership and best practices in risk management and insurance. The academy aims to equip risk managers with the knowledge and tools to effectively mitigate current, emerging, and future risks. Additionally, it provides a conducive space for networking and idea exchange among experts from various sectors.
This year’s academy kicked off with a site visit to The Foschini Group (TFG). The first stop was at the Coricraft manufacturing site in Epping. The delegates witnessed the precision in wood cutting, material selection, and the skilled work that goes into every stylish Coricraft couch.
The academy featured a diverse line-up of speakers who shared their expertise on the theme of “Partnerships.” Notable speakers included Lizelle van der Merwe, CEO of the Financial Intermediaries Association and business leader, Professor Bonang Mohale. Lizelle discussed the role of trade associations in the financial services sector, the international agenda of regulators, and the role of corporate brokers in South Africa. Professor Mohale spoke about the potential for great success in South Africa when support and initiatives are driven through the private sector. Allianz Commercial South Africa experts of CFO Kevin Barnes, Head of Property and MidCorp, Geoff Tanton, Business Development Manager Senzile Ndlozi, Head of Legal and Compliance, Kristin van Niekerk, and Head of Claims Lulu Pule, hosted a panel discussion, which Allianz Commercial South Africa CEO Thusang Mahlangu moderated on Allianz Risk Barometer 2024 and risk mitigation solutions.
The Allianz Client Academy attracted risk professionals from leading companies in Africa, including ABSA, Heineken Beverages, Nedbank, Red Carnation Hotel Group, Vodacom, Vukile Property Fund, and The Foschini Group. The attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with industry peers, fostering collaboration and innovation.
“Allianz Commercial South Africa is proud to host the tenth anniversary Allianz Client Academy, which has become a highly regarded event in the risk management and insurance industry since 2014,” said the CEO of Allianz Commercial South Africa Thusang Mahlangu. “We are committed to providing our clients with thought leadership and insights that empower them to navigate the ever-evolving risk landscape.”
The event also saw the participation of key Allianz Commercial South Africa employees, including CFO Kevin Barnes, Head of Property and MidCorp, Geoff Tanton, Business Development Manager Senzile Ndlozi, Head of Legal and Compliance, Kristin van Niekerk, and Head of Claims Lulu Pule, among others. Their presence further emphasized the company’s dedication to fostering strong relationships with its clients.
The success of the Allianz Client Academy reaffirms Allianz Commercial South Africa’s position as a trusted partner in risk management and insurance. The company remains committed to delivering innovative solutions and thought leadership to support its clients’ professional and personal development.
“Attending the Allianz Client Academy over the past few years has been such an enlightening journey. From in-depth discussions and networking opportunities with insurance professionals, to hands-on workshops, the academy provided me with invaluable insights and knowledge of a wide variety of very interesting insurance areas, all essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of insurance. The knowledge gained has not only enhanced my professional expertise but also provided me with great networking opportunities. I am grateful for Allianz’s initiating such insightful knowledge-sharing sessions and I look forward to attending future academy gatherings, ” says Wilna Meiring, Managing Executive: Corporate Risk and Security, Vodacom.
