The COO role for Asia-Pacific is a new one, reflecting the importance the firm attaches to the region and its growth.

Allianz Global Investors has appointed Khalil Soubra as its chief operating officer, Asia-Pacific. Soubra, who is based in Hong Kong, will report to Alexandra Auer, global COO.

The role of COO for Asia-Pacific has been reinstated to oversee the firm’s overall operations in Asia-Pacific, the firm said in a statement yesterday: “Asia-Pacific is a strategically important region for AllianzGI."

Since joining AllianzGI in 2003, Soubra has held various positions across different functions within the organisation. He has extensive experience in operational management and leading regional and global teams. Prior to his current role, Soubra had been global head of trade and position in the life cycle team since 2018.

Last week, media reports said Allianz is talking to Chinese banks to create a majority-owned asset management venture in the Asian country.