AXA XL unveils major leadership revamp in UK, Europe, Asia and Americas

Getting closer to brokers and clients while exploring new growth opportunities—is the main aim of re/insurer AXA XL behind creating a new regionally-focused insurance operating model. The company has reshuffled the leadership for its UK & Lloyd’s, Asia & Europe, and Americas business units to bring decision-making closer to the regional markets.

“Our new operating model positions us closer to brokers and clients so that we can effectively deliver products across business lines and share our collective expertise," said Joe Tocco, chief executive of Americas.

AXA XL's new insurance operating model will take effect from October 1, 2020.

In the UK & Lloyd’s market business unit, Simon Hearn will become CUO of London wholesale, Andrew Underwood as CUO specialty, and Ramesh Singh as CUO financial lines. The appointments for CUO retail property & casualty and CUO marine, aviation & energy are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The distribution leadership will include Paul Howard as head of coverholder development, Christine Cook as head of alternative distribution, Allan Murley as head of broker management, Tim Smith as head of client management, and Owen Williams as global programmes & captives director, UK & Lloyd’s market.

The claims leadership for the UK & Lloyd’s market will have Katherine Baron as head of casualty claims, Laura Probyn as head of property claims, Eve Grant as head of specialty claims, Lesley Turner as head of claims operations & motor, Yera Patel as head of financial lines claims practice (UK, Asia & Europe) & head of financial lines claims, UK & Lloyd’s market.

Sean McGovern, chief executive officer of UK & Lloyd’s at AXA XL, said: “I’m delighted to announce this group of highly experienced and capable individuals, who I’m confident will help to ensure we are the insurance partner of choice in this important region. These appointments are a great reflection of the quality of talent at AXA XL.”

In the Asia & Europe region, Marine Charbonnier has been named global programmes & captives director, Mathieu Daubin as CUO marine, Yannick Daucourt as CUO specialty, Simona Fumagalli as CUO global financial lines, Michael Maier as CUO aerospace and underwriting manager aerospace for Switzerland, Daniel Maurer as CUO casualty, Laurent Richème as CUO property/construction/energy, and Corinne Southarewsky as chief claims officer.

Additionally, Eduard Billovits has been appointed country leader for Austria & CSEE, James Chambers for Hong Kong, Kevin Leong for Singapore, Saverio Longo for Italy, José Ramón Morales for Spain, Andrew Vigar for Japan, Alain Wijnants for Benelux, and Peter Wulliman for Nordics.

Xavier Veyry, chief executive officer of Asia & Europe at AXA XL, said: “I’m delighted we could find the right people within our organisation to lead our underwriting, captives and claims capabilities in Europe and Asia, as well as our local teams. It reflects the quality of talent at AXA XL.”

AXA XL also announced several new roles and promotions in its Americas region.

Reporting to Americas CUO Donna Nadeau, new AXA XL underwriting leaders include - David Grigg as CUO professional & cyber (miscellaneous professional, errors & omissions and cyber insurance), Alex Blanco as CUO specialty (including crisis management, art &, accident & health, political risk, trade credit and bond businesses), and Mary Ann Susavidge as CUO environmental, stepping into the position formerly held by Matt O’Malley who now serves as East Zone leader for the Americas.

Lastly, reporting to Bob Peretti, chief distribution officer, the new distribution leadership in the Americas will include - Kevin Bull as head of global broker coordination, James Martin as head of client relationship management and business development, June Dwyer as head of broker management for Marsh, Jeanne Marie Vahdat as head of broker management for Aon, Wayne Speeg as head of broker management for retail brokers, Tony Gentile as executive underwriter for environmental insurance business, and Lawrence Lejfer as construction professional profit center head.

Tocco said: "While most product line and distribution leaders remain in their longtime roles, our reorganization provides new growth opportunities for others. I’m excited to see these colleagues rise to new challenges. It’s a testimony to the deep bench of talent here at AXA XL.”