Allianz Life President and CEO Gary C. Bhojwani Named to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) President and CEO Gary C. Bhojwani was recently named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

“The Chamber fights for free enterprise before Congress, the administration, regulatory agencies, the courts, the court of public opinion, and governments around the world,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. “Our board directs that important purpose and by including the nation's most prominent leaders, such as Allianz Life's Gary Bhojwani, we move that agenda forward.”

Since joining Allianz Life in 2007, Bhojwani has led the development of an industry-leading suitability practice to protect consumers and significantly improved the company's overall performance. For the past two years, the company's 2,000 U.S.-based employees have voted Allianz Life as a top workplace.

Bhojwani has held several senior executive roles including president of the Commercial Business segment at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, another Allianz SE company, and president and chief executive officer of Lincoln General Insurance Company, a specialty P&C and program carrier. He also founded Avalon Risk Management, Inc., a logistics-focused insurance broker, underwriting manager, and third-party claims administrator.

Bhojwani earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in actuarial science from the University of Illinois and an MBA with dual concentrations in finance and marketing from the University of Chicago. He currently serves as a director on the boards of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Teach for America Twin Cities, the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI), the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) and is a member of the International Executive Committee (IEC) of Allianz SE. In addition, he is an active member of the Financial Services Roundtable and the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). In 2008, Senior Market Advisor named Bhojwani one of the top five leaders in the financial services industry.

“Retirement is at a crossroads in America,” Bhojwani said. “Allianz Life is at the forefront of helping Americans secure guaranteed lifetime income in retirement. I'm excited to be a part of a Board that advances education and legislation to support retirement security for American consumers.”

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with nearly 155,000 employees worldwide. Based on its revenue, Allianz SE is the 20th largest company in the world (Fortune Global 500, August 2010).