Allianz Life Hires Vanessa Ramirez as Senior Director, Government Relations

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) named Vanessa Ramirez as the new senior director of Government Relations in the Legal department where she is responsible for directing public policy advocacy initiatives for the company. She also leads cross-company coordination of government relations activities while reviewing proposed federal, state and insurance department legislation and rule making initiatives. Ramirez reports to Allianz Life General Counsel Gretchen Cepek.

“I am excited to have Vanessa join our experienced Government Relations team at Allianz Life. She brings deep insurance industry knowledge to this important leadership role,” said Cepek. “Vanessa’s leadership will help us continue strengthening the relationships we have built with regulators and legislators at the state and federal levels.”

Prior to joining Allianz Life, Ramirez worked for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. in Hartford, Conn. where she served as government affairs counsel. She was responsible for legislative and regulatory advocacy in eight states, including Minnesota and supported the company's life insurance, annuity, and property and casualty insurance businesses. Ramirez oversaw political compliance initiatives across the company, including pre-approving political contributions and serving as Counsel to the company’s political action committees.

Ramirez also served as an attorney for the state of Connecticut for five years, where she worked in various areas, including the Department of Public Works, the Office of Governor M. Jodi Rell, and the Department of Consumer Protection. Ramirez began her career as an associate in the business law unit at the law firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. in Hartford.

Ramirez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Conn. She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.