AXIS unveils key appointments in strategic leadership shifts
In a series of executive shifts, AXIS Capital has appointed its global head of distribution to the freshly created chief commercial officer position and has brought in the former chairman of QBE and Alterra Capital as its new chairman.
Edward Ashby (pictured left) will continue his global distribution role while being tasked with elevating AXIS’ business development strategies, enhancing its market visibility and the global reach of its franchise, and helping support and drive key strategic initiatives of the CEO’s Office.
Marston Becker (pictured right) will succeed Henry Smith, who has been chair since 2020 and will continue as a director after the transition takes place in in May.
Ashby, who is based in New York, joined AXIS in 2014 as head of US distribution for its insurance business, and his role expanded to global head of distribution for insurance in 2015.
Previously, he spent nine years at QBE where he rose to become head of global distribution – North America. Ashby began his career as an underwriter, rising to become head of credit & surety within QBE’s North America business.
Vince Tizzio, president and CEO of AXIS, said: “Under Ed’s direction we have significantly transformed and enhanced our global distribution strategy while deepening and expanding our customer relationships, which has been a critical enabler to record production within our insurance business and the growth of our global platform.
“Ed’s leadership will be integral as we continue to elevate and grow the AXIS franchise, unlock new revenue opportunities, and provide even further value to our customers.”
Becker, who joined the Bermuda-based company's board in 2020, has held numerous chair and CEO roles for publicly traded and private insurance, reinsurance, and insurance brokerage organisations in Bermuda, the UK, the US, and Australia.
Becker is the immediate past chairman of the board of QBE Insurance Group. He was appointed to the QBE board in 2013, became chair in 2014, and served until March of 2020. Prior to this, he served as chairman and CEO at Alterra Capital and its predecessors from 2006 to 2013. Alterra was bought by Markel. Since 2022, he has served as chairman of both MVB Financial Corporation and its subsidiary, MVB Bank.
Tizzio commented: “Our team at AXIS is deeply appreciative of Henry for his leadership as Chair and continued service on our Board. Moreover, I have tremendous gratitude for Henry’s support and counsel as I transitioned into the CEO role. I look forward to working closely with Marty in his new capacity, and our leadership team will profit significantly from his counsel and expansive knowledge of our industry.”
Becker said: “On behalf of the entire Board, thank you to Henry Smith for his tremendous leadership these past four years as our chair, which marked a period of significant positive transformation for AXIS. It is a privilege to succeed Henry as chair, and to continue to serve with him, as we further support the significant progress that AXIS has made in elevating all aspects of its business.
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