Allianz Commercial makes key appointment

Allianz Commercial has appointed Alex Ktenidis (pictured) as director of digital trading and Allianz Legal Protection (ALP) in the UK with immediate effect.

Since joining Allianz in 2014, Ktenidis has held various leadership roles in both the UK and Germany. He returns from his recent posting in Munich, where he served as strategic transformation leader. There, he worked on Allianz Commercial’s global strategy to engage mid-sized companies, large enterprises, and those with specialist risks.

Now in charge of the digital trading and legal protection businesses, Ktenidis stepped into the role formerly held by Helen Bryant, who is pursuing career opportunities outside Allianz. Byant came on board the insurer in 2001.

Commenting on the appointment, Nadia Côté, managing director of Allianz Commercial, said: “Alex brings with him a wealth of knowledge of our commercial business and a reputation for strong leadership and innovation.

Apprentices wanted

In a separate development at Allianz UK, the company is currently in search of its next apprentices for this year’s Engineer Surveyor Apprenticeship programme. The application is open until May 3.

Allianz noted: “As the UK’s largest inspection provider, employing over 670 engineer surveyors, Allianz has been providing inspections via brokers for nearly 100 years and now offers this service directly to end customers.”

A two-year programme commencing in October, the Engineer Surveyor Apprenticeship scheme came to life in conjunction with the Safety Assessment Federation.

“This is a brilliant initiative, and we are delighted to continue to give it our full support for the fourth consecutive year since the scheme was launched in 2021,” engineering inspection head Martin Ball commented.

“During that time we have already employed 27 apprentices, and from our first cohort we now have eight super-talented individuals, and the skills and experience that they have learnt in the last couple of years have seen them working alongside many of our experienced surveyors.

“With no two days the same, this is an exciting opportunity for future apprentices, and for us it is a pleasure to train the next generation of engineer surveyors as we continue to rapidly grow our inspection business.”

What do you think about this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.