Allianz UK has announced the appointment of Isabella Von Mesterhazy as Managing Director for its Specialty business, effective 1 December 2024, subject to regulatory approval.

Von Mesterhazy will be taking over the role from Kieran O’Keeffe, incumbent MD for Specialty, who will be retiring at the end of the year.

In her new role, Von Mesterhazy will lead the specialty business, which comprises Petplan, Petplan Equine and LV= Pet, and will report directly to Colm Holmes, CEO Allianz UK, as a member of the Allianz UK Executive Committee.

She will be heading Allianz’s combined pet businesses, which makes it the UK’s largest pet insurer, according to the firm.

Allianz Specialty is an important arm of the insurer’s UK business and has achieved consistently strong performance figures throughout 2024 and in previous years.

Petplan, founded more than four decades ago, is recognized as the United Kingdom’s leading pet insurer, Allianz highlighted, providing coverage to over 1.3 million pets and extending support to 1,200 animal charities.

Throughout her tenure at Petplan and Allianz Pet, beginning in 2011 as the Head of Marketing and Sales and culminating in her most recent role as Director of Trading for Allianz Specialty, Von Mesterhazy has played a pivotal role in shaping brand development and driving positive change.

Colm Holmes, CEO, Allianz UK, said “It’s fantastic news that Bella has taken up the reins for the specialty arm of Allianz. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry to this role and I look forward to working with her within our executive committee.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say a final farewell and thank you to Kieran, we’re deeply appreciative of his contributions and the positive impact he has had on our business.”

Commenting on her appointment Von Mesterhazy said: “Within my time at Petplan I have seen first hand the knowledge and dedication of the Petplan team in assisting our customers and their pets, often in difficult and stressful times, where their compassion and care shines through.

“I look forward to continuing the momentum in moving the brand forward and ensuring that our customers remain at the heart of the business.”