Jasmine Jirele

Why We Chose Her: 

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America promotes itself to customers as providing peace of mind through the financial security of annuities and life insurance products. But what recommended the company to us for this Social Capital section is its commitment to providing peace of mind to its employees in their family life — and extending that from the individual employee to the employee’s family. Part of respecting their families is helping employees with their worries and concerns for their families, and Allianz Life bends over backward to make that happen.

“Our values-based culture empowers employees to do the right thing to support our customers, our business partners, and our community,” says Walter White, whom we honored last year as Allianz Life CEO. “Our focus is helping our customers secure their future, and this recognition is validation of our strong ethical foundation that enables us to fulfill this mission.”

Although the company’s top leadership undergoes the periodic changes that may be expected in large organizations, the CEO always brings a clear understanding of Allianz Life’s corporate culture. White, who retired as CEO at the end of last year and is staying with the company as a director, served as Allianz Life’s chief administrative officer, leading Operations, IT, Compliance, Suitability and the Central Project Office before assuming his position as CEO. And Jasmine Jirele, who’s been at the helm since January, previously served as Allianz Life’s chief growth officer since 2018, where she was responsible for defining the company’s growth strategy, including its expansion into new markets, and leading product innovation, marketing, communications, Allianz Ventures and enterprise agile.

A true Social Capital CEO, Jasmine says, “Work is only one part of life for our employees, and we know that. What we have found is that when we give employees space, flexibility and resources to manage their whole lives, it translates to happier, more engaged employees. But we also know it’s more than just implementing the policies. It only truly works when it is represented in the actions and behaviors of all of us — particularly leaders — in respecting time, priorities and boundaries. Employees are their best when they have balance in their lives and care for themselves and their families first.”

A hybrid work and flexible schedules as well as onsite daycare, health clinic, and health club facilities are employee favorites among a comprehensive list of Allianz’s benefits. Parental and adoption leave is also an important policy, and feedback highlights how much it is appreciated. And Allianz’s financial and employee assistance programs allow its employees and their families access to several additional programs and services that help them in many aspects of life.

 “We know the past few years have been challenging for our employees and we have paid particular attention to the mental health of both employees and their families,” Jasmine tells us. In furtherance of that, Allianz this year launched its “Learn to Live” resource for mental health, providing employees and their family members (age 13 and older) access to self-paced online programs and resources for stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance abuse and more at no cost to employees or family member. “Additionally, as part of our Employee Assistance Program, we announced that all employees are able to access eight free counseling sessions to help with work/life balance, legal guidance, or financial management.”

Recognizing the importance of family and committed to Allianz Life’s family-friendly culture as part of a successful business, Jasmine is leading in what we feel is the spirit of Social Capital.