Allianz teams up with GB athletes for Buddy Programme

Authored by Allianz

Employees at Allianz Holdings have been partnered with world-class athletes for a mutual support and learning relationship as part of the global Allianz Buddy Programme.

Run over a six-month period each athlete has been matched with 4 employees from across the Allianz business to form a buddy group and explore different development topics including mental health, motivation and mindset.

Athletes taking part in the UK buddy scheme are:

• Matthew Robertson, paracyclist, ParalympicsGB
• Savannah Wilkinson, basketball, TeamGB
• Chris McCormick, freestyle skiing, TeamGB
• Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye, basketball, TeamGB

Jost Wahlen, head of learning and development, Allianz Holdings commented: “Allianz has a close relationship with sport and we recognise how transformative it can be. This programme is a great chance for us to show our support for the athlete community whilst offering our employees valuable insights and personal development opportunities.

“By working in small groups good learning relationships can be built that should benefit both athletes and Allianz employees. It’s one of many ways that we foster learning and development and is particularly exciting given the combination of athletes involved.”

Globally the Allianz Buddy Programme will see over 40 athletes team up with Allianz employees across 15 countries. Participating athletes include active and retired Olympians and Paralympians as well as Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.

Allianz officially began its eight-year worldwide partnership as the Worldwide Insurance Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements on 1 January 2021, building on a collaboration with the Paralympic Movement since 2006.