AXA XL overhauls Asia & Europe leadership as it simplifies structure

Re/insurer AXA XL has unveiled a new leadership team for Asia and Europe as part of changes to its insurance operating model.

Etienne Champion has been appointed chief underwriting officer (CUO), Asia & Europe, Bruno Laval has become chief distribution officer, Asia & Europe and regional manager, European Markets (Austria & CSEE, Benelux, Iberia, Italy and Nordics).

Additionally, Craig Langham has been named regional manager for Asia Pacific, Julien Guénot as country manager for France, Peter Knaus as country manager for Germany, and Manuel Meier as country manager for Switzerland.

Champion joined AXA XL in December 2018 as head of underwriting, Asia with the company’s reinsurance business unit. He was previously with AXA Corporate Solutions which he had joined in 2000 and where he held several leadership positions; most recently chief operating officer, Asia. He will be based in Dublin.

Laval steps into the new roles from his current position as AXA XL Insurance’s regional manager for Europe. He joined AXA XL in 2001 as country leader – Iberia, before being promoted to regional manager, Latin America & Iberia. He was appointed as regional manager – France & Southern Europe in 2016.

Xavier Veyry, chief executive officer of Asia & Europe at AXA XL, said: “With our shift to a more regional structure, we’re looking to simplify our operations and empower our teams locally, in alignment with AXA Group’s strategy. Through these appointments, we are ensuring that we are leveraging our talent, are best equipped to manage a very broad and diverse set of markets, and are closer to our broking partners and clients.”