Munich-headquartered Allianz announced a change to its operating model, centralizing all IT supply capabilities in the Asia Pacific region in a Malaysia-based unit.

Allianz Asia Pacific will centralize all IT supply competencies within the region through the establishment of a Regional Delivery Centre (RDC) based in Malaysia, according to a statement. 

The new unit aims to help the German insurer simplify its APAC business through a «faster delivery model using key optimization levers arising from economies of scale, skill and scope». Markets including Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand will «maintain strategic demand capabilities, allowing them to concentrate on driving their business transformations». 

«This takes Allianz Asia Pacific towards being a more customer-centric organization and allows for more operational efficiency in Asia’s ever-evolving market,» said regional CEO Anusha Thavarajah. «By bringing together the strengths and expertise of both organizations, we empower our talented individuals to combine their efforts, exchange knowledge, and enhance their skills and expertise.»

Regional IT Head

In addition, Allianz has also named Carmen Casagranda as head of IT for Asia with responsibilities including the oversight of the new Malaysia subsidiary Allianz Technology Sdn. Bhd. Casagranda has experience in business as well as technology transformational change and was previously a chief information officer across international markets. 

Allianz has been present in Asia since 1910 when it first provided fire and marine insurance to Chinese coastal cities. Today, it has more than 32,000 staff and 18 million customers in 15 markets within the region: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, Pakistan and South Korea.