AXA XL has announced a number of executive appointments in what it describes as a new, simplified Reinsurance organisational structure.
The new structure is aligned around the firm’s key markets and is intended to enhance the focus on AXA XL’s payer to partner strategy.
Currently, AXA XL has four reinsurance underwriting regions: London, which is led by Rob Littlemore; Bermuda, led by Jonathan Gale; North America, led by John Welch; and International, led by David Watson, all of whom report to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reinsurance, Charles Cooper.
AXA XL has revealed that effective September 2nd, 2019 the following changes will occur:
Littlemore is to assume the leadership of a newly created Global markets business, which will consist of the firm’s London and Bermuda Reinsurance platforms. Littlemore has more than 28 years of industry experience. At the same time, Paul Simons, Head of Property – Global Markets, will also serve as Head of Bermuda Reinsurance, reporting to Littlemore.
Watson, currently CEO of AXA XL’s International Reinsurance unit and CEO of XL Re Europe SE, has announced that he will retire at the end of 2019.
“David has been with the company for more than 26 years. During his tenure, David was instrumental in establishing our presence as a recognized leader in the international casualty market. His leadership, expertise and dedication will be sorely missed,” said Cooper.
In light of Watson’s departure, Welch will assume leadership of AXA XL’s Reinsurance International markets business, which will see him relocate to Dublin, Ireland. His successor to lead the North America business will be announced in the near future.
Gale, CEO of Bermuda Reinsurance, is to take on the role as Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO), which is currently held by Chris Dougherty, who is to become CEO, Underwriting Capital Management AXA XL.
It’s also been revealed that AXA XL Reinsurance Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dawn Dinkins, will lead the newly centralised claims and operational functions.
“To help our brokers and clients even more quickly and easily access our expertise and products, we’re simplifying our organizational structure. Our North American and International businesses will continue to focus on the customers and brokers in their local markets. However, we’re combining our Bermuda and London platforms to create a Global Markets business platform that will focus on the global catastrophe, casualty and specialty business that are placed in these markets.
“We’re also centralizing claims and operational functions into one global unit to embed consistency in approach and leverage global resources. We believe that these changes will be mutually beneficial to our trading partners and to our organization,” said Cooper.











