AXA XL makes appointments to leadership team in Europe and Asia

AXA XL has appointed Bruno Laval as chief distribution officer for Asia and Europe, and regional manager of European markets, under its new regional model. The firm has also named a new chief underwriting officer for the region and appointed heads in France, Germany, Switzerland and Asia-Pacific.

Mr Laval, who was previously AXA XL Insurance’s regional manager for Europe, will cover Austria and CSEE, Benelux, Iberia, Italy and the Nordics in his European regional manager role.

He joined AXA XL in 2001 as Iberia country leader, before being promoted to regional manager of Latin America and Iberia. He was appointed as regional manager for France and southern Europe in 2016.

AXA XL has also named Etienne Champion as chief underwriting officer for Asia and Europe, subject to regulatory approval. Mr Champion joined AXA XL in December 2018 from AXA Corporate Solutions as head of underwriting Asia, within the company’s reinsurance business unit.

AXA XL has additionally named country leaders in Europe and Asia. Julien Guénot is appointed country manager for France, Peter Knaus for Germany and Manuel Meier for Switzerland. Craig Langham has been named regional manager for Asia-Pacific.

Xavier Veyry, CEO, Asia and Europe at AXA XL, said: “With our shift to a more regional structure, we’re looking to simplify our operations and empower our teams locally, in alignment with AXA Group’s strategy. Through these appointments, we are ensuring that we are leveraging our talent, are best equipped to manage a very broad and diverse set of markets, and are closer to our broking partners and clients.”