MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 8, 2019 – Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®) today announced the retirement of Chief Human Resources Officer Suzanne Dowd Zeller, effective on January 1, 2019. Succeeding Zeller is Jenny Guldseth, vice president of rewards and performance at Allianz Life.
Zeller joined Allianz Life in 2010 and has been instrumental in setting strategy to grow the business and increase employee engagement. During her tenure, the company has received numerous recognitions for its culture, including multiple years on FORTUNE magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For, Training Magazine's Training Top 125, Working Mother's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers, and Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces lists.
“Suzanne has made important contributions to the strategy of Allianz Life and has helped to create a culture of employee engagement and development that will resonate for years to come,” said Walter White, president and CEO, Allianz Life. “I’m grateful for her years of service. She has helped build Allianz Life into a place where all employees are valued and know that what they do here truly matters.”
Guldseth previously served as vice president of rewards and performance for Allianz Life where she was responsible for leading performance and compensation functions for the company as well as the benefits function for multiple U.S.-based Allianz companies. She has held several leadership roles with Allianz Life since joining the company in 2006, including leading the sales compensation and human resources business partner functions.
“Jenny brings a wealth of human resources experience and deep company knowledge to her new role,” said White. “I’m confident she will build upon the strong foundation laid by Suzanne, and continue to drive capabilities and results.”
Guldseth earned her BA in telecommunications and communications from the University of Kentucky and her MA in human resources from the University of Saint Mary’s in Minnesota. She also holds a Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) designation.
