Axa UK and Ireland has launched a new general insurance business.
The arm, called Axa Insurance UK, brings together the company's commercial and retail business units in the UK under a single management structure.
It will be led by current Axa Commercial CEO Jon Walker, who will take on the role of Chief Executive of Axa Insurance UK.
Two managing directors for retail and trade have now been appointed. Julie Barbey will focus on retail, while Mike Crane will handle commercial operations.
Both will report to Walker, who said: “Creating a unified general insurance business gives us greater reach, sharper focus and the ability to respond more effectively to changing market dynamics.”
“Trade and retail will continue to serve different customer needs and operate in different market contexts. But by working more closely together we will create a more resilient and competitive organization.”
“I am proud of how our teams have continued to perform well throughout this review period. Their focus and professionalism provide us with a strong platform from which to move forward with clarity and purpose.”
“Important step”
Axa said that as a general insurance company, Axa Insurance UK will benefit from greater scale and resilience to market dynamics, a more holistic view of underwriting performance and portfolio management, and greater alignment of platforms, processes and best practices.
Tara Foley, managing director of Axa UK and Ireland, said: “Combining our UK commercial and retail businesses as Axa Insurance is a significant step forward for Axa UK and Ireland.
“Under Walker’s leadership, retail and commercial will continue to serve their customers with the same focus and this unified general insurance business will be simpler, stronger, more agile and better positioned to compete, grow and deliver for our customers and partners.”
“By combining our expertise across private and commercial sectors, we will improve our technical capabilities, accelerate the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), and scale best practices across the organization. This move strengthens our competitive position and creates a more dynamic and attractive work environment.”
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