The Allianz Partners New Zealand Executive Team is made up of leaders from a variety of backgrounds. Together, they guide and inspire our New Zealand team.

Kevin Blyth
Managing Director, New Zealand

As Managing Director, Kevin is responsible for ensuring the company maintains its market leader position in New Zealand while keeping its strategy aligned with Allianz Group.

Kevin is well-versed in operational matters and is highly experienced leading complex operations through periods of change. Bringing with him over 20 years of insurance and operations experience, he joined Allianz Partners New Zealand in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer and previously served as acting CEO. Prior to this, Kevin held senior roles at AIA New Zealand and AMP New Zealand.

Kevin has an MBA from University of Auckland.

David Wallace
Sales Director, New Zealand

David joined Allianz Partners in 2019 to contribute to further developing Allianz Partners’ offering. He plays a crucial role in extending our network and overseeing the relationships we have with brokers and agents. David is known for being an engaged leader with the commitment and drive to deliver high-value, yet practical, customer outcomes.

David has more than 15 years of experience in financial services across several business areas. Previous roles include Head of Contemporary Wealth Management and Head of Wealth Management Transformation at AMP New Zealand. David has been a strong contributor to the financial services industry, having been Deputy Chair of Workplace Savings New Zealand and the Strategic Research Committee Chair of the Financial Services Council.

David has an MBA from University of Auckland.

John Barr-Hamilton
Finance Director, Australia and New Zealand

John has been an integral part of the Allianz Partners Australia team since 2007 and has recently expanded his responsiblities to include New Zealand.

Before joining Allianz Partners, John studied Accounting in the UK and subsequently moved to Australia.

When he first joined the company, it was know as Mondial Assistance. Over the years, John has witnessed and supported significant business growth and development. Throughout his tenure with Allianz Group, he has led numerous finance teams across the APAC region, including Australia and New Zealand.

John consistently upholds the core purpose of Allianz Partners: helping people in their time of need.

Denica Saunders
Regional Head of Operations Travel APAC and COO Australia

Denica, a seasoned leader, joined Allianz Partners in early 2023 to lead the operational teams across three lines of business. She currently holds the dual role of Regional Head of Operations Travel, APAC, & Chief Operating Officer in Australia. Her main focus is to enhance the customer value chain and provide essential asssistance in day-to-day customer interactions.

With over 21 years experience in the financial services sector, Denica brings a wealth of knowledge to Allianz Partners.

Shauna O'Brien
HR Country Lead, Australia and New Zealand

As HR Country Lead for Australia and New Zeland, Shauna is HR Advisory to the Managing Director and Executive team, ensuring day-to-day HR operations run effectively. Her scope spans across employee relations and industrial relations matters, performance managment, payroll, HR legal matters, workplace health and safety, local legislative and regulatory changes, implementation of global HR programs and services and country engagement topics.

Shauna has been with Allianz Partners since 2020, but her HR career spans more than 20 years across several different disciplines. Most of her experience comes from professional services in HR generalist and leadership roles. Shauna is considered a trusted and respected HR leader, and she is passionate about creating an engaging and positive experience for our people.