Allianz Trade has announced a leadership transition for its Hong Kong Hub, which comprises Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Effective Oct. 1, Hassan Omaish (pictured) will step into the role of CEO for the region, succeeding Edmond Lee, who is retiring after more than a decade with the company.
Omaish, who will be based in Hong Kong, has spent 15 years at Allianz Trade, holding a variety of leadership roles in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Most recently, he was global head of broker management and partnerships, where he was responsible for global broker strategies and partnership development.
His career also includes time as commercial director for ASEAN and the Hong Kong Hub, as well as country manager for Malaysia. Omaish’s experience extends to senior positions in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
He holds a master’s degree in international business, specialising in finance, from the University of Wollongong.
Rodrigo Jimenez, regional CEO at Allianz Trade in Asia-Pacific, acknowledged Edmond Lee’s 12-year tenure.
“I would like to thank Edmond for his contributions and dedication over the past 12 years. He has led not one but three markets to growth and success and built a culture of collaboration and resilience during his tenure,” he said.
Jimenez also noted that Hassan Omaish brings significant familiarity with the region, having spent much of his professional life in Asia.
“His international exposure, relationships with brokers and partners as well as track record in shaping strategies and driving growth will make him a great addition to our team,” he said.
Commenting on his appointment, Omaish said: “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO for Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan, three markets that I have had the privilege to work closely with over the years. I look forward to rejoining the APAC region to lead our growth strategies across these dynamic markets, strengthen partnerships, and deliver innovative solutions that help our clients navigate both emerging and persistent risks. I am proud to be working with a talented and committed team, whose expertise and energy will be key to driving our success.”
In a separate development, Allianz Trade has appointed Tetsushi Kitano as country manager for Thailand, effective Sept. 1.
Kitano will also continue to lead the ASEAN Japan Desk, supporting Japanese clients with credit insurance needs across the region.
Kitano joined Allianz Trade in 2008 as a commercial underwriter in Tokyo. He later moved to Hong Kong in 2012, taking on business development and leadership roles for the Japan Desk. In 2017, he returned to Japan as commercial director before resuming a regional role in Hong Kong in 2019. Kitano holds a Bachelor of Law from Chuo University.
