KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): Allianz Malaysia Bhd has appointed Sean Wang Wee Keong as its new CEO and executive director with effect from Jan 1.

Wang, 49, will be replacing current CEO Zakri Mohd Khir, who will be retiring on Dec 31, according to the insurance group’s bourse filing.

Zakri, 58, will however continue to serve the group as a non-independent and non-executive director effective Jan 1.

Allianz said Wang, who holds a degree in accounting and investment from Lincoln University, New Zealand, has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

He started his career as an auditor in Price Waterhouse Coopers in 1997. A year later, he joined American Malaysian Insurance as the head of healthcare and personal accident, responsible for underwriting, claims and policy management.

In 2001, he joined ING Insurance Bhd and assumed responsibility for sales in employee benefits, managing direct clients and brokers.

In May 2004, Wang joined Allianz General Insurance Malaysia Bhd as head of personal lines, being responsible for underwriting and introduction of retail products.

He then moved on to become head of branch operations in 2007, managing 31 branches nationwide. He was appointed as chief operations officer of Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd three years later.

Wang was also the chief operations officer of both Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd and Allianz Malaysia Bhd before he was appointed as the CEO of Allianz General in July 2021.

Shares in Allianz finished six sen or 0.47% lower at RM12.74, giving the group a market capital of RM2.26 billion.