Allianz Life Expands Distribution, Support for Allianz Retirement Pro Variable Annuity

Seven New Broker/Dealers Add Allianz Fee-Based Annuity

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) today announced that it has formed strategic relationships with seven broker/dealers to add the Allianz Retirement Pro^SM Variable Annuity to their advisory platforms. Allianz Retirement Pro is an insured retirement solution designed for clients who work with a fee-based investment advisor.

Previously available only through LPL Financial, Retirement Pro will now be offered through Cambridge Investments, Advisor Group (representing Royal Alliance, SagePoint and FSC Securities), Commonwealth Financial Network and Valmark Securities. In addition, Allianz Life has added to the dedicated team supporting the product, led by Corey Walther, Head of Investment Relations and Fee-Based Distribution for Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC.

“Retirement planning is fundamentally shifting as more financial professionals understand the importance of offering their clients guaranteed income products,” said Robert DeChellis, president of Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC. “Retirement Pro is opening the door for fee-based advisors to do just that, and with the experienced team we’ve built, we’re poised to provide our distribution partners with the complete support they need to be successful in this new market.”

Since taking on his new role at the end of January, Walther has partnered with Allianz Life’s Broker/Dealer Relationship Management Team to bring additional broker/dealers on board. Walther has also recruited professionals with wealth management experience to educate advisors about Retirement Pro and the benefits it may provide their clients. Recent additions include:

• Jay Rosoff – Formerly with Allianz Global Investors, Rosoff will be responsible for the Northeast region.
• Ryan Hurley – Most recently a Regional Vice President for Allianz Life, Hurley will be responsible for the West region.
• Mike Nicola – Formerly a Senior Vice President of Fund Partner Relations for Allianz Life, Nicola will be responsible for the Central region.

Positions are currently being finalized for the Great Lakes and Southeast regions.

With Allianz Retirement Pro, Allianz Life is dedicated to the fee-based market, giving clients working with a fee-based advisor a new opportunity to add an insured solution to their portfolio. This product is specifically designed to help people accumulate, preserve, and distribute their retirement assets.

“Establishing strategic relationships with these broker/dealers confirms that Retirement Pro is the right product for that distribution channel, and we expect that the interest we’re receiving from other broker/dealers will produce similar relationships in the near future,” added DeChellis.

Variable annuities are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that units, upon distribution, may be worth more or less than the original cost. For more information about Allianz Life, visit: www.allianzlife.com.

For more complete information about Allianz Retirement Pro and variable investment options, call Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC at 800.542.5427 for a prospectus. The prospectuses contain details on investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses, as well as other information about the variable annuity and variable investment options, which you should carefully consider. You are encouraged to read the prospectuses thoroughly before sending money.

Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. The Company’s claims paying ability does not back the performance of the variable subaccounts, which fluctuate with market conditions.

The Allianz Retirement Pro^SM variable annuity (Contract # L40533) is issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America and distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, Member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427

Product and feature availability may vary by state and broker/dealer. This product is not available in New York.

About Allianz Life
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with nearly 155,000 employees worldwide. Based on its revenue, Allianz SE is the 20th largest company in the world (Fortune Global 500, August 2010).

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North AmericaLaurie Bauer, 612-388-3912
[email protected]

Source: Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America