AXA UK has appointed former Willis Towers Watson executive David Ovenden to serve as Chief Underwriting Officer of its Commercial business.
He succeeds David Williams who after 41 years in the role is set to depart in search of non-executive roles at the year’s end.
At WTW, Ovenden spent 3 years leading and developing its Pricing and Underwriting Practice.
Prior to his move into consulting he worked for both Aviva and RSA, leading underwriting businesses in the UK, Canada and across Europe.
Ovenden’s new responsibilities as CUO will include delivering, pricing and underwriting programmes, while ensuring broader development of AXA UK’s underwriting capabilities in the commercial space.
He joins in December and reports into Jon Walker, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Commercial. He will also join the Commercial Executive Committee.
“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,” Jon Walker, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Commercial.
“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.”
“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,” added Ovenden.
