AXA looks to Willis as UK commercial lines CUO departs after 41 years

Re/insurer  AXA UK has hired a new chief underwriting officer (CUO) for its commercial business from Willis Towers Watson, replacing David Williams who is leaving the company after 41 years.

Williams is leaving AXA at the end of the year to consider non-executive roles.

David Ovenden (pictured) is appointed as new CUO responsible for delivering pricing and underwriting programmes and bringing focus and energy to the development of underwriting capabilities across AXA UK's commercial business.

Ovenden joins from Willis Towers Watson, where he has led, developed and grown their Pricing and Underwriting Practice over the last few years. Prior to his move into consulting, he worked for both Aviva and RSA, leading underwriting businesses in the UK, Canada and across Europe.

Ovenden will join the business in December, and report into Jon Walker, chief executive officer of AXA Commercial. He will also join the commercial executive committee.

Walker said: “It is a pleasure to welcome David Ovenden to the AXA Commercial business. His experience, knowledge and leadership skills are invaluable as we drive forward our vision and focus to further strengthen our underwriting capabilities.

“I would like to thank David Williams for his contribution to the business over the last 41 years. He has been a true asset in many areas.”

Ovenden commented: “I am extremely excited to be taking a key role in the UK commercial insurance market with the AXA team. AXA Commercial’s vision and direction is aligned with my own and I can see an extraordinary fit.”

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