Bill Gaumond, CFO, Allianz Life

Bill Gaumond is working to identify long-term growth opportunities with his promotion to chief financial officer at Minneapolis-based Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America.

Gaumond is responsible for financial functions including business finance, accounting and controlling and business intelligence. He reports to Allianz Life president and CEO Walter White and succeeds Giulio Terzariol, who joined parent company Allianz SE in Munich to lead group planning and controlling.

He also is looking to augment growth through investments.

"While we will stay focused on our core strengths, we plan to further build our digital capabilities especially as we develop Web-based product applications that make it easier for people to do business with us," Gaumond said. "And as always we will invest in our people and culture. We want our employees to continue to feel that working here is like being part of a family."

Gaumond joined the company in 2004 and most recently served as senior vice president of asset liability and investment risk management. He previously spent 2 ½ years at Allianz SE.

Gaumond, who has an accounting degree from the University of Notre Dame, began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Minneapolis.

Q: Why should consumers choose Allianz Life's products?

A: (Allianz SE) has the wherewithal to invest in us and the wherewithal to withstand crisis events. So when it comes to a client or consumer relying on products and wanting to trust that that promise is going to be fulfilled, that Allianz is going to be around for the long term to pay out on that promise, we argue that Allianz is better positioned than any other carrier.

Q: What did you gain from your experience at the parent company?

A: The biggest value is the relationships. I also have a better appreciation for what the holding company faces in terms of challenges, what their focus is and what they want to accomplish.

Q: How does market volatility affect the company's products and your work?

A: Market volatility, especially interest rate changes, has an affect on our business. But it actually highlights the value of our core annuity products because they help protect consumers from market volatility. Our policyholders benefit from the protections against down markets and also have options to guarantee an income stream for life in retirement. To make sure we can meet these promises to consumers, our job is to mitigate market exposure and ensure our hedging of risk protects both our customers and our business.

TODD NELSON