AXA XL appoints global head of equine, livestock & aquaculture

Insurer AXA XL has appointed Chris Williams as global head of equine, livestock & aquaculture, with immediate effect.

In his new role, Williams will be responsible for developing AXA XL’s equine, livestock & aquaculture book and devising and delivering underwriting strategy and product profitability. He will be based in London.

Graham Hawkins, chief underwriting officer – global art, specie & bloodstock at AXA XL, said: “As one of the market’s leading art, specie and bloodstock insurer, we need a team that combines the best talent and experience available; one that has a deep understanding of the risks facing our clients and is imaginative enough to deliver the bespoke solutions that fit their specific requirements.

“I am delighted that Chris will be leading the team going forward. He is a well-known and highly-respected individual with a vast amount of global experience in this marketplace, and I am certain he has all the attributes required to succeed in this role.”

Williams has 34 years’ experience in the insurance industry, having begun his career at independent Lloyd’s Broker, Cork Bays Fisher in 1984. After several broking roles at Ropners, Devitts and Robert Fraser, he undertook the role of divisional director – Bloodstock at specialist bloodstock broker SBJ Nelson Steaveson (now Lonmar Global Risks) in 2003. He moved to Brit Syndicates in 2008 as class underwriter – bloodstock, with responsibility for the formulation of the class business plan, business development and all broker and client relationships.