Allianz Asia Pacific announced the inaugural graduation of 200 agents and agency leaders from its Pinnacle Excellence Program (PEP), a first-of-its-kind initiative co-designed with Insead, one of the world’s leading business schools. 

This milestone, Allianz said, underlines its dedication to equipping its agency force with advanced skills and insights to navigate the evolving financial landscape, while also supporting the broader Pinnacle 2030 strategy for sustainable growth and enhanced client engagement. 

Among the 200 agents and leaders are nine LifeChangers from Allianz PNB Life: Artemio Wapanio, Carla Joyce Garcia, Sharon Joy Ang, Dan Angelo Mamerto, Hayde Zamora, Maricris Comendador, Mariel Mendoza, John Michael Licas, and Alfredo Emmanuel Butalid. 

Allianz said the graduates of this first cohort demonstrated over 40% growth in productivity, and nearly 40% qualified for the Million-Dollar Round Table, a global standard of excellence in financial advisory. These accomplishments contributed to Allianz’s robust 9M 2024 agency performance, marked by a 19% increase in new business value and 8% growth in annualized premiums (ANP). 

Notably, Allianz said, ANP per active agent climbed by 11%, reflecting a strategic emphasis on developing a high-performing, client-focused agency network.

PEP was developed through extensive collaboration with leading industry practitioners, including Allianz’s top-performing agents and leaders across the Asia Pacific.  

Unlike conventional insurance training programs, PEP integrates academic rigor and practical application through:

• Blended learning delivery (combining theoretical case studies, action-based projects, and role-playing exercises).
• Focused skill modules (spanning customer psychology, leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial strategies.
• Real-world application (equipping participants to translate classroom learnings into tangible results, from client engagement to team leadership).

“Our vision at Allianz is to build a world-class agency force that delivers exceptional service and trusted financial solutions,” Allianz Asia Pacific CEO Anusha Thavarajah said, adding:

“PEP is a key pillar of our Pinnacle 2030 strategy, designed to elevate our agency force, enhance client engagement, and drive long-term growth. Through this program, we are not just transferring knowledge—we’re shaping the future of financial advisory by equipping our agents with the skills, tools, and mindset needed for sustainable success.”

Filipino LifeChanger Art Wapanio expressed gratitude for the experience: “I am deeply thankful to Allianz for giving me the opportunity to participate in PEP. Learning from a world-renowned business school broadened my perspective on both business and life. The opportunity to collaborate with passionate colleagues from different regional offices allowed us to exchange valuable ideas relevant to our work. I am eager to apply all the knowledge gained to helping my clients achieve their financial goals and move closer to realizing their life aspirations.”

Allianz said that in an environment of evolving customer expectations, PEP graduates emerge as highly skilled advisors and leaders committed to safeguarding their clients’ financial well-being. It said that by emphasizing lifelong learning, advanced financial planning expertise, and leadership development, it aims to raise the bar for quality advisory services in the region.

Insead said it is committed to its partnership with Allianz.

“At Insead, we believe in developing responsible leaders who can navigate complexity and drive meaningful impact,” said Sameer Hasija, dean of executive education and of Insead’s Asia campus. “Our collaboration with Allianz in the Pinnacle Excellence Program exemplifies this mission—combining world-class business education with real-world application to empower agents with the knowledge, skills, and strategic mindset needed to lead and create positive change in today’s financial landscape.” 

The 200 graduates are a mix of new agents, aspiring leaders, and experienced professionals, each benefiting from PEP’s structured, hands-on approach. 

Allianz said it will expand the program to allow more agents to: access innovative learning methods tailored to an ever-changing market; develop leadership capabilities that drive team performance and client trust; and contribute to sustainable growth in Asia’s dynamic financial services industry.