AXA XL swoops for WTW and Generali execs to grow UK business

Re/insurer AXA XL has expanded its broker management team in the UK with two new hires from Willis Towers Watson and Generali.

Michael Clarke has joined as regional broker distribution leader, as part of AXA XL’s plans to develop its regional team to serve a broader spectrum of regional brokers. He will be responsible for leading AXA XL’s regional distribution strategy, with the aim of developing relationships with UK regional brokers and profitably growing the UK book of business.

Clarke joins from Willis Towers Watson, where he managed several of the broker’s strategic relationships with its key insurer partners. He previously worked at Aon, most recently as a lead consultant/ engagement manager, having started his career in an underwriting role at NFU Mutual.

Additionally, Robyn Warke has joined AXA XL as broker distribution leader, with responsibility for actively managing and expanding relationships with international brokers. She will play an important role in working with the London-based and regional underwriting teams to profitably grow the UK book of business.

Warke comes from Generali, where she most recently held the position of key account executive, with responsibility for managing key broker relationships in the UK across all lines of business. Previously, Warke had undertaken business development and claims roles at ERS Insurance and Catalyst Consulting.

Both the executives will report to Allan Murley, head of UK broker management at AXA XL. Clarke will be based in Birmingham and Warke in London.

Murley commented: “I am extremely pleased to welcome both Michael and Robyn to the team. With their experience in business development and account management, both will have an important role to play as we focus on growing profitable new business in the UK. Investing in key appointments such as these will also help us to better deliver on our ONE AXA strategy, by enabling greater interaction and collaboration with other AXA entities in order to achieve our common goals.”