In her senior role with insurance company Allianz Life, Heather Kelly brings new products and solutions to financial professionals. Since joining the company’s North American headquarters in Minneapolis three years ago, Kelly has led the distribution launch of a new annuity for use in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, a concierge desk for registered investment advisors, and the new Buffered Outcome ETF offerings. These products, services, and access points help more people manage risks in their retirement. “Heather is a thought leader within the industry and an advocate for enhanced use of financial technology,” says Eric Thomes, chief distribution officer at Allianz. Kelly credits the support from a woman at her first job for her entry in the industry and gives back through mentorship. She is the executive sponsor for NEO, Allianz’s employee resource group for women.