International insurance provider William Russell has marked 25 years of partnership with Allianz Partners as it prepares to enhance its service offering with the launch of a new product proposition in 2026.
William Russell provides global health, life and income protection insurance to expatriates in more than 160 countries, with its policies underwritten by Allianz Partners, part of the Allianz group.
To commemorate the milestone, Xavier Mauriac and Camille Benoist of Allianz Partners travelled from Paris to visit William Russell House in Lightwater, Surrey, on 6th November, where the two companies celebrated their long-standing relationship.
At the welcoming ceremony, Camille Benoist, key account manager at Allianz Partners, said: “We very much value this partnership. We’ve built our relationship on trust and shared values.”
Xavier Mauriac, head of partnership and affinity at Allianz Partners, added: “At Allianz, we really value long-standing partnership, so celebrating the 25th anniversary of this partnership is really meaningful for us. This is exactly the kind of partnership we try to build.”
He continued: “When you have invested a lot in any relationship, the most important thing is to ensure that relationship is long-term and, here, we have managed to build something really solid.”
Inez Cooper, founder and managing director at William Russell, highlighted the strength and stability the partnership provides, noting the alignment of both companies’ philosophies.
“This partnership gives our customers consistency,” she said. “There are no sudden changes in direction, so we can offer sustainable premiums because our pricing philosophy is mutually agreed. We’re aligned in wanting that for our customers.”
She added: “And when it comes to claims, we’re dealing with peoples’ lives. Our attitude to helping these customers, to looking after them at that difficult time and to making life as easy as possible, is a shared value that we both have.”
In return, Xavier Mauriac pointed to the agility William Russell brings as a small, family-owned business. “It’s all these values that we share together that makes our joint offer special,” he said.
Looking ahead, William Cooper, marketing director at William Russell, reflected on the importance of the relationship with Allianz Partners as the company prepares for a year of continued growth, including a new service proposition launching in 2026.
“It’s very important that the way we present ourselves in the market is strong and stable,” he said. “Without an insurance partner like Allianz Partners, the last 25 years would have been very difficult.”
“Our commitment to excellent customer service is the thing that has helped to differentiate us in the market and keeps our members coming back.
“Having Allianz by our side gives us the confidence to focus on that commitment while we deliver new products, services and capabilities to benefit our members’ lives.”
William Russell was established in 1992 by founder Inez Cooper, who started the business from her bedroom in Woking.
The partnership with Allianz Partners began in 2000, with William Russell acting as a reinsurance broker for Allianz Partners in several regions and working collaboratively on policy design.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, William Russell discussed its upcoming 2026 service proposition with Allianz representatives.
“Our new proposition is designed to improve our existing service offering for the benefit of our members,” said William Cooper. “It’s thanks to the strength of our partnership with Allianz Partners that we feel confident bringing this proposition to market, and we’re excited to be able to share it with the world in 2026.”
