Allianz Hires 11 Annuity Wholesalers

July 29, 2010 at 08:00 PM
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Good news for employment prospects in the financial services sector. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America today announced the hiring of 11 regional vice presidents for Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC. Each vice president will help develop a specific territory by increasing sales and brand loyalty with existing producers as well as new producers. Sales efforts will focus on financial advisors at large broker-dealers, banks and wirehouses.

"It's vital that our sales teams make strong connections with the financial advisors that offer our variable and fixed index annuity products to consumers," said Richard Healey, senior vice president and head of sales for Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, in a prepared statement. "We are pleased to have these talented individuals join the Allianz team and help us communicate the benefits of our innovative retirement solutions."

The new regional vice presidents include:

Tim Knight – Knight will focus on the wire channel in the South Central District (Oklahoma and Northern Texas). Most recently, Knight was Life Insurance Product Manager with First Command Financial Services and has also held positions with Transamerica Capital and Guardian Life. Knight holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of North Texas.

Jack Graugnard – Graugnard will be in the South Central District (Louisiana and Mississippi) focusing on all channels. Most recently, Graugnard was a wholesaler with Lincoln Financial Distributors/Delaware Investments and has also held positions with Franklin Templeton Investments and Amsouth Investments. Graugnard holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Louisiana State University.

Katie Ehrsam- Ehrsam will focus on the wire channel in the West District (Colorado). Most recently, Ehrsam was a Strategic Accounts Associate with Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC and was also a territory sales representative with G&K services in St. Paul. Ehrsam holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Shawn Lewis – Lewis will be in the South Central District (Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas) focusing on the wire channel. Most recently, Lewis was a Regional Vice President with Lincoln Financial Distributors and has also held positions with Pacific Life, MFSLF/Sunlife Financial and Jackson National Life. Lewis holds a degree from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Lynn Berger – Berger will focus on the independent channel in the Northeast District (Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia). Most recently, Berger was a Regional Marketing Director with PLANCO, the financial services distribution division of The Hartford, and has also held positions as an Internal Sales Representative and Sales Coordinator with the company. Berger holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Doug Zweig – Zweig will help the Midwest District (Illinois) by focusing on the independent channel. Most recently, Zweig was an Internal Wholesaler for Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC and has also held various positions with Speer Financial in Chicago. Zweig holds a degree from Drake University.

Steve Beck – Beck will focus on the independent channel in the South Central District (Arkansas, Oklahoma and Northern Texas). Most recently, Beck was a wholesaler with John Hancock in Boston and has also held positions with Nationwide and Fidelity Investments. Beck holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Oklahoma State University.

Janette Ortiz – Ortiz will help lead the Northeast District (New York City and Long Island) focusing on the wire channel. Most recently, Ortiz was a Regional Annuity Sales Manager for MetLife and has also held various positions with Merrill Lynch. Ortiz holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Regis College.

Patrick Cahill – Cahill will focus on the wire channel in the Mid-Atlantic District (Northern Pennsylvania and Northern New Jersey). Most recently, Cahill was a National Sales Manager for ING Wealth Management and has had held various positions with the company including National Business Development Manager, Regional Vice President and Internal Wholesaler. Cahill holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Joseph's University.

Eric Motzkus – Motzkus will help lead the West District (Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho) focusing on all channels. Most recently, Motzkus was Regional Vice President with Pacific Life Mutual Funds and Annuities and has also held positions with Nationwide Investment Services and Fidelity Investment Institutional Services. Motzkus holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Utah.

Michael Giles – Giles will focus on the independent channel in the Mid-Atlantic District (Maryland and Washington DC). Most recently, Giles was a Regional Vice President for ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company and has also worked as a financial advisor for American Express Financial Advisors. Giles holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Richmond.

Healey added, "By building out our regional wholesaling team, Allianz is better positioned to help financial professionals create retirement plans that meet their clients' long-term financial objectives."

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