Allianz Life Insurance of North America, a provider of annuities and life insurance, has appointed Paul Kelash as vice president of corporate communications.

Mr Kelash joins Allianz from Weber Shandwick, a public relations firm where he served as vice president of financial services. In this role, he served as the account lead for a number of financial services entities, including the American Council of Life Insurers, among others.

Mr Kelash has more than 20 years of experience, his prior roles included a variety of communications roles at financial services firms and public relations agencies.

Nancy Jones, chief marketing officer of Allianz, said: Allianz Life is dedicated to providing timely and transparent communications to our employees, investors and consumers. Kelash brings a wealth of industry experience along with a deep communications background.