Andrew Stewart

Bell Asset Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Stewart as Head of Retail Sales, effective 19 May 2025. In this newly created role, Andrew will report to Robert Sullivan (Managing Director, Distribution & Strategy) andwork closely with Xanthe Virtue (Head of Wholesale & Platforms), to strengthen the firm’s adviser service model and enhance its distribution reach.

Andrew brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services, most recently Head of Distribution at Allianz Retire+. He has held executive roles across some of Australia’s most respected firms including AUSIEX, Commonwealth Bank, Colonial First State and Asgard. His deep expertise in retail distribution and adviser engagement will be instrumental as Bell sharpens its focus on delivering market-leading client outcomes.

“Andrew is a highly respected figure in the industry, with a long track record of building strong adviser relationships,” said Michael Lovett, CEO of Bell Asset Management. “His appointment is a strategic move that supports our goal of delivering a best-in-class adviser experience, and reflects our long-term commitment to the adviser market.”

This appointment forms part of a broader strategy to bolster Bell’s internal capabilities and drive growth across its global equities platform—particularly its high-conviction Small and Mid-Cap offering, which continues to gain momentum with advisers and clients alike.

Recent leadership changes, including the appointment of Andrew Gowen as Portfolio Manager and Director of Research, and Lucinda Hill as Executive General Manager, Product and Operations, further underline Bell’s commitment to innovation, agility, and delivering excellence in investment management.

Bell remains laser-focused on delivering superior outcomes for clients and expanding its presence in the adviser market.

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Stephen Armstrong joins the retirement income specialists in the newly created role of State Manager Western Australia and South Australia, to service the west and south coast of Australia. Prior to joining Allianz Retire+ Stephen was a Key Account Manager for AMP’s Platform business and brings nearly three decades of experience to the role.

Allianz Retire+ has also appointed Natalie Philips as NSW State Manager. Natalie joins with over thirteen years of Business Development experience most recently at Challenger.

Speaking on the appointments Allianz Australia Life Insurance CEO, Adrian Stewart said, “Both Stephen and Natalie bring valuable experience within the wealth space to the Allianz Retire+ team. They are committed to working closely with advisers to make next generation retirement solutions available for retirees.

We see huge potential across both the West and East coast of Australia, which is why we have created the new role for State Manager for WA and SA to service those regions. Stephen‘s decades of experience and deep adviser relationships across the west coast will be welcomed as we continue supporting advisers to secure greater certainty for their clients in retirement.

While Natalie’s deep sector knowledge of retirement income solutions and annuities will support the efforts in NSW to deliver solutions to advisers and their clients. Natalie has a deep understanding of the Sydney IFA and Adviser market, having cultivated strong relationships within the industry.

These new appointments continue to bolster our expertise and will elevate our support for advisers in delivering retirement income solutions to their clients.”

Echoing Mr Stewart’s remarks Head of Distribution Wealth Management, Andrew Stewart said, “We are excited to welcome Stephen and Natalie to the Allianz Retire+ team. Both are experienced professionals in their respective regions and will support in delivering AGILE and future solutions to the market.”

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Allianz Australia Life Insurance CEO, Adrian Stewart said, “Our vision is clear, we are committed to delivering flexible retirement solutions to superfunds, platforms and advisers. These new appointments at the executive and Board level will support our strategic reset in delivering better outcomes for all Australian retirees.”

Allianz Retire+ welcomes Andrew Stewart to take on the new role of Head of Distribution Wealth and Malcom Weir as Head of Life Protection.

Speaking on the appointments, Mr Stewart said, “Andrew has in excess of 28 years in distribution experience and brings with him deep relationships with the financial planning community. Andrew has held senior roles in Australia’s largest institutions including Colonial First State, IOOF and Ausiex (Commsec). Andrew deeply understands the needs of planners and advisers. His experience and extensive network align to our refreshed distribution approach to deliver next generation retirement income solutions on platform.”

“Malcolm’s experience within life protection and insurance as the General Manager, Life Customer Solutions for CommInsure and most recently Head of Insurance at NobleOak, will be vital in guiding the business to achieve our renewed objectives. He brings 25 years of deep actuarial expertise and senior leadership.”

President and Chief Executive Officer Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Jasmine Jirele joins the Board of Allianz Retire+ to provide global insight from Allianz’s US$165 billion business.

“Jasmine brings a wealth of experience building and leading Allianz’s retirement business in the US. We welcome her knowledge and expertise in pioneering products that are tried and tested in a more mature market like the US,” said Mr Stewart.

Allianz is a global leader in the provision of retirement solutions. With over 30 years’ experience in the US retirement space, it is also a market-leader in Germany and across Europe delivering customer-centric retirement solutions.

Allianz Retire+ has spent the past 12 months focused on restructuring the business functions to strengthen product manufacturing capability. The company has made significant investments in technology and retirement solution infrastructure to support a pipeline of innovative products that cater to the unique need of Australian retirees.

Mr Stewart continued, “As one of the only dedicated retirement specialists in the Australian market, we are committed to leading development in the retirement space. We have invested in world class retirement technology and administration services to deliver products with cutting edge platform integration and flexibility to address the needs of retirees. We have also hired product actuarial capability and product marketing specialists to realise our vision.”

Following the retirement income covenant which came into effect from July, trustees and superfunds are increasing their focus on retirement solutions offered to members.

Life companies have the capital and scale to deliver lifetime guarantees. As one of the world’s leading insurance companies, Allianz has a large, fortified balance sheet and the capital to manage this risk.

“We believe life companies have a significant role to play in solving the retirement problem within Australia and can deliver certainty by offering lifetime guarantees. We are ready to partner with superfunds and platforms to deliver these next generation solutions. Retirement is different and we must all work together to find solutions for the benefit of retirees,” said Mr Stewart.

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