Allianz Life Promotes Four Top Performers in Human Resources to Directors

Promotions reflect company’s focus on developing its employees into future leadership positions

Emter provides HR support to the company's IT and Investments divisions. (Photo: Business Wire)

MINNEAPOLIS--()--Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) today announced four promotions within its Human Resources department that align leadership with company’s commitment to employee development and leadership. Allianz Life promoted Kari Emter, Jenny Guldseth, Nathan Pommeranz and Darcy Weldy to directors in human resources (HR).

“We are focused on building and maintaining an engaged workforce. Each of these HR leaders have built strong reputations as strategic thinkers who provide excellent support and counsel and continually make valuable contributions to the senior leadership teams they work with,” said Suzanne Zeller, chief HR officer. “All four of these promotions are very well-deserved.”

Kari Emter promoted to HR director

Emter provides HR support and counsel to the company’s Information Technology and Investment divisions, reporting to Michele Roepke, associate vice president of HR. In addition to these core responsibilities, she will continue to lead the company’s employee engagement strategy program, ensuring all the major engagement-related initiatives across the company remain connected and in alignment throughout the year. Prior to joining Allianz Life in 2004, Emter began her HR career with the Target Corporation in 2002, working in its employee benefits and training departments. Emter has a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University in HR Management. She also holds Master of Education degree in HR Development from the University of Minnesota and her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the Society of HR Management.

Jenny Guldseth promoted to employee benefits director

This promotion brings Guldseth back to leading employee benefits programs after a three-year role providing HR counsel and support to the company’s Distribution and HR departments as an HR manager. In her new role with the benefits team, Guldseth leads the development and implementation of the company’s healthcare and financial literacy programs, manages the relationship with the company’s key benefit administrator and provides direction on many key strategic priorities. Guldseth joined Allianz Life in 2005, where she was responsible for the design and administration of the company’s health plans. Prior to joining Allianz Life, she gained extensive experience in employee benefits programs in her work at G&K Services, Inc. and Express Scripts Inc. Guldseth reports to Sarah Held, senior employee benefits director. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. Guldseth also has a Masters in HR Management from St. Mary's University, St. Paul, Minn. and her SPHR designation from the Society of HR Management.

Nathan Pommeranz promoted to HR director

Pommeranz provides HR support and consulting to the Operations and Organizational Sourcing and Business Re-engineering departments, reporting to Michele Roepke, associate vice president of HR. In addition to these responsibilities, Pommeranz leads the company’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy. He played a key role in launching two employee resource groups (ERGs) for LGBT employees and employees who have either served or have family members serving in the military. Pommeranz joined Allianz in 2011 and has a long tenure in providing HR support and leadership at companies including Wells Fargo Bank, Mesaba Airlines, and U.S. Bank. Pommeranz has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. He also holds Master of Arts degree in HR Management from St. Mary’s University, St. Paul, Minn. and his SPHR designation from the Society of HR Management.

Darcy Weldy promoted to HR director

Weldy provides HR consulting and support to three Allianz Life departments within the Distribution division, including the company’s field marketing organizations that are based throughout the country. Reporting to Jill Rogers, senior HR director, Weldy will continue leading the company’s well-being initiative, which includes identifying, designing and implementing new opportunities that help keep Allianz Life as a top workplace. Weldy joined Allianz in 2009 from Syngenta Seeds, Inc. and has held similar roles as an HR consultant and advisor with companies including the Star Tribune Company and Wells Fargo, Inc. Weldy has her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Wis. and her SPHR designation from the Society of HR Management.

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2014, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 142,000 employees worldwide. More than 78 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.

Contacts

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Sara Thurin Rollin, 763-765-6703
sarathurin.rollin@allianzlife.com

Contacts

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Sara Thurin Rollin, 763-765-6703
sarathurin.rollin@allianzlife.com