ALLIANZ MALAYSIA BERHAD
Yorck Reuber , Chief IT Officer , helps us examine how digital is making insurance faster , better , and closer to customers than ever before
There has been much discussion about the insurance industry ’ s need to embrace digital transformation if it is to survive oncoming challenges from Big Tech competitors . Following the disruptive influence of the COVID-19 pandemic , most would agree that technology is an important part of insurance ’ s future . However , genuine leaders like Allianz know that it ’ s only half the story ; more than anything , digital is an opportunity for foundational culture changes that can ultimately enrich the insurercustomer relationship like never before .
Yorck Reuber joined Allianz Malaysia as Chief Information Technology Officer in June 2020 , during the pandemic ’ s first major global lockdown . Having built a career by working at some of the most prestigious technology , finance , and insurance-based companies in the world , always in international setups , he moved to Malaysian in 2018 . What drew him to change jobs during such uncertain times ? The answer is simple : the opportunity to make a difference . “ I strongly felt that I wanted to work closer with customers and make a positive impact . Allianz Malaysia provided me with the perfect chance to do just that .”
Holding a degree in Ships Engineering , it ' s safe to say that Reuber has an expert grasp on the technical aspect of his work . However , when asked what transferable skills he has brought to Allianz , he chooses to emphasise the importance of his approach to leadership and the dedication to “ cultural change ” that he has cultivated . “ As a company , we may buy technology but the real impact is making a genuine change in the way people think and work ,” Reuber explains . “ My day-to-day role consists of working with the business on product development - determining which insurance offerings we want to bring to the market .” His perspective complements what is now a generally accepted truth regarding digital transformation , namely that it is as much about people as it is about systems or technology .
2020 brought about operational circumstances for insurance that made digital adoption practically essential . In this regard , Reuber states that Allianz Malaysia was generally well-prepared already , although there were still challenges to overcome . “ Luckily , there was no paper being carried around the offices by that point , but people were still very ‘ paper minded ’. The big target was ( and continues
“ [ DIGITAL IS ] ENABLING ALLIANZ TO DO THINGS FASTER AND TO BE MUCH CLOSER TO OUR CUSTOMERS ”