AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of global insurer AXA, has named Michele Chia the Chief Underwriting Officer for Cyber in the Americas. She will be based in New York and will take on her new role on February 12th 2024.
In her new role, Chia will report to Donna Nadeau, Chief Underwriting Officer, Americas.
Her remit will include overseeing AXA XL’s cyber business growth strategy in the Americas, risk aggregation, and expanding product and service offerings. She will also be responsible for liaising with cyber expertise and resources across AXA entities, including AXA’s Global Cyber Chief Underwriting Officer, Anthony Dagostino.
Nadeau commented on the appointment, “Cyber threats are continuously evolving and as a leading cyber insurance market, we need to evolve too. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Michelle to the team. Her expertise and insights will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of our cyber business and the innovative development of cyber risk management solutions that can really make a difference for our clients.”
Most recently, Chia served at Zurich North America as the Head of Professional Liability and Cyber. She has over 15 years of experience managing Professional Liability and Cyber Insurance portfolios nationally.
Nadeau concluded, “Michelle joins a very talented and dynamic cyber team. Under the leadership and underwriting management of Jeremy Gittler, our Head of Cyber & Technology in the Americas, our cyber insurance business has continued to grow.
“As we plan for continued growth and expansion of our products and services to help our clients boost their cyber resilience, Michelle will be instrumental in ensuring AXA XL’s and our clients’ assets and interests are safeguarded while we all continue to navigate through the changing and challenging complexities of cyber risks.”
Earlier this month, AXA XL strengthened its U.S. Mid-Market insurance business, extending its multi-line insurance offering to mid-size construction businesses with the addition of John Schwirtz as Head of Construction, US Mid-Market.
The company also bolstered its Fine Art and Specie team in Canada with the appointments of Caitlin McCullough and Sarah Mitchell, as the Senior Underwriter and Underwriter, Fine Art & Specie, Canada.
