Allianz Group's specialist corporate insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty® (AGCS) announced today the establishment of an aviation workers compensation department in the U.S. by entering into an agreement with the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). Specifically, AGCS will serve as the underwriter for this broker-driven program featuring competitive rates and incentives that reward companies with excellent safety records. This new department will be led by industry veteran Charles Couch, based in Atlanta; Shane Maloney joins as senior aviation workers compensation underwriter and Robin E. Couch as executive general aviation underwriter."Launching into the workers compensation business brings new capabilities and rounds out our aviation product line, providing a more cost-effective solution for clients," stated Jon Downey, head of aviation for the U.S. "We are delighted to welcome Charles, the team, and are thrilled to be working with the NATA - the voice of the aviation business for 75 years - to bring this valuable program to the business community."
With more than a century of aviation insurance experience, AGCS offers a broad aviation appetite, including a wide range of risks - from the world's largest airlines, airports and manufacturers to charter managers, corporate and personally operated aircraft, suppliers and service providers.
Mr. Couch is an accomplished executive with more than 15 years of insurance experience, including over a decade in workers compensation. Most recently, he was VP, underwriting and head of distribution for Aviation at QBE North America, focusing on organizational growth. Prior to this, he held workers compensation and underwriting roles with Phoenix Aviation Managers, Inc. and The St. Paul Companies. He attended the University of West Georgia and Kennesaw State University, also in Georgia.
Both Mr. Maloney and Mr. Robin E. Couch also join AGCS from QBE North America where they held senior underwriting positions. Previously, Maloney was with Risk Evaluation Bureau, Inc. for more than a decade; Robin E. Couch gained his aviation expertise with Phoenix Aviation Managers, Inc. and The U.S. Marine Corps.
"With our expansion into aviation workers compensation, we are complementing our general aviation product offering in the U.S. and further diversifying our portfolio, written by a team of experienced and seasoned professionals," stated Henning Haagen, global head of aviation. "In combination, partnering with the NATA makes me confident that this will be a success."
About Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) is the Allianz Group's dedicated carrier for corporate and specialty insurance business. AGCS provides insurance and risk consultancy across the whole spectrum of specialty, alternative risk transfer and corporate business: Marine, Aviation (incl. Space), Energy, Engineering, Entertainment, Financial Lines (incl. D&O), Liability, Mid-Corporate and Property insurance (incl. International Insurance Programs).
Worldwide, AGCS operates in 29 countries with own units and in more than 160 countries through the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2015, it employed more than 5,000 people and provided insurance solutions to more than half of the Fortune Global 500 companies, writing a total of €8.1 billion gross premium worldwide annually.
AGCS SE is rated AA by Standard & Poor's and A+ by A.M. Best.