Allianz Retire+ hires dynamic duo from Challenger

Allianz Retire+ has created a new role and hired two top retirement executives to share the role.

Catherine van der Veen and Lucy Foster have been appointed to jointly manage client relationships, work with key partners and oversee the implementation of new clients as the institutional arm of the business grows.

The two executives bring over four decades of combined experience in retirement, superannuation, investment management, advice, and insurance.

They also share deep expertise in product and channel development, distribution, marketing, strategy, and execution.

The duo arrived from Challenger, where they jointly led the customer strategy across institutional, adviser, and direct clients.

During their time there, van der Veen and Foster drove the development of a united customer strategy at Challenger across life and funds management.

They also led the development and launch of Australia's first market-linked annuity and played an instrumental role in tranforming Challenger's digital experience for clients.

Before that, the pair headed up Generation Life for three years.Their first job share role was at Commonwealth Bank in 2016-17 where they were joint general manager of strategic projects wealth management.

During this time, they led the design of the future wealth management model in the wealth management arm of the Commonwealth Bank.

Allianz Australia Life Insurance chief executive Adrian Stewart said van der Veen and Foster bring "an enormous wealth" of insight and value to the team.

He further noted that they had successfully managed a job share partnership for the past seven years.

"They both have a demonstrated track record of developing successful strategies for client-focused outcomes and have a deep understanding of the retirement landscape and the challenges facing retirees.

"This thinking is critical for Allianz Retire+ as we continue to grow following the launch of AGILE this year," he said.

"With a strong background partnering with superfunds, Lucy and Catherine understand the importance of members' best interests, trustee obligations, technology and operational pathways, and regulatory considerations. All of which are essential, moving into 2024."