Balance of hybrid working needs to be adjusted as Allianz introduces new capabilities – Hobbs

Allianz Commercial UK chief distribution officer Nick Hobbs has said the balance of hybrid working need to be “constantly” adjusted as the insurer starts to introduce new capabilities.

Hobbs told Insurance Times that Allianz had ”invested hugely” in different areas of the business and that it was important to be “available at the right time” for brokers.

It came after a survey of 260 insurance professionals working in the London market found that 86% of the sector were now attending the office three times a week or less.

The survey, which was published by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) New Generation group earlier this year (2 June 2023), also found less than 5% now attend the office five days per week. 

In comparison, pre-pandemic findings show that 73% of staff attended the office five days a week, with another 17% attending four times. 

“Now Covid-19 is beginning to feel like it’s in the past and as we’ve settled into hybrid ways of working, we need to constantly adjust the balance, particularly when we are going through a process of introducing new capabilities,” Hobbs said.

Expanded capabilities

Earlier this year (10 March 2023), Allianz announced a new integration to bring together Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty (AGCS) UK, which focuses on large clients, and Allianz Holdings’ UK commercial business under one strategy and approach.

”We’ve invested hugely, particularly in the digital trading space, and are looking to capitalise on these advancements alongside traditional approaches,” Hobbs said.

“We’ll be educating the team on our expanded capabilities and enabling businesses to be routed to the right underwriting home.

“We’re also expanding our CRM provision and building on the great industry and relational expertise that we know exists within our business.”

In his role, Hobbs leads all aspects of distribution for the new integration at Allianz – encompassing large-corporates, specialty, mid-corporates, digital/SME and engineering inspection.

He was promoted to the role earlier this year (23 June 2023).

Hobbs said that he was “relishing” the challenge of unlocking the potential of the business.

“Having worked in both AGCS and Allianz UK, I most certainly have a big picture view and an eye for detail,” he said.

“Leading with purpose is easy if you do so based on great understanding of what your customers and broker partners are telling you about how we can and should improve further.”