MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that Jasmine Jirele has been named president and CEO of Allianz Life, succeeding President and CEO Walter White, who will retire December 31, 2021.

Jirele’s leadership experience spans strategy, product innovation, marketing, operations, and digital and experience management. She has served as Allianz Life’s chief growth officer since 2018, where she is responsible for defining the company’s growth strategy, including its expansion into new markets, and leading product innovation, marketing, communications, Allianz Ventures and enterprise agile.

“Jasmine brings a compelling combination of strategic vision, deep customer and industry insight, and digital transformation that will help continue to advance Allianz’s growth and its mission of helping its customers secure their future,” said Jackie Hunt, member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE, Asset Management, U.S. Life Insurance. “She is a thoughtful and pragmatic leader who is committed to our customers, partners, employees and the community.”

Prior to re-joining Allianz Life in 2018, Jirele was an executive vice president within Wells Fargo’s Consumer Bank division, and was previously a senior vice president in Wells Fargo’s Wealth and Investment Management division. She also held various leadership roles in marketing, product innovation and operations at Allianz Life. She sits on the board of directors at College Possible and serves as an advisor for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee at the Washburn Center for Children. Jirele holds a B.A. in business and journalism from the University of St. Thomas and an MBA from Hamline University.

Current President and CEO Walter White will step down from his role effective September 1, and will retire as of December 31, 2021. He will stay actively involved with Allianz Life after his retirement, and will be nominated to serve as an independent director on the Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Board of Directors. Jirele will assume the role of president and CEO as of September 1, subject to independent auditor and standard regulatory filings.

“Walter leaves Allianz Life with a legacy of growth, innovation and care,” said Hunt. “With a forward-thinking mindset, he propelled Allianz Life’s growth over the past decade with competitive, unique products that deliver strong consumer value, while also demonstrating the critical role that businesses need to play to positively impact their communities.”

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® and one of the Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies®, has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products. In 2020, Allianz Life provided additional value to its policyholders via distributions of more than $10.1 billion. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with approximately 150,000 employees in more than 70 countries. Allianz Life is a proud sponsor of Allianz Field® in St. Paul, Minnesota, home of Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United.