AXA UK & Ireland creates new UK general-insurance business

AXA UK & Ireland has announced the creation of a new general-insurance business, AXA Insurance UK, bringing together its UK commercial and retail business units under a single leadership structure.

The new unified commercial and personal-lines business will be led by AXA commercial chief executive, Jon Walker, who assumes the role of chief executive, AXA Insurance UK. Jon has overseen AXA’s retail business on an interim basis since the end of last year.

Tara Foley, chief executive at AXA UK & Ireland said: “Bringing our UK commercial and retail businesses together as AXA Insurance is a significant step forward for AXA UK & Ireland.

“Under Jon’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 and more agile as well as better positioned to compete, grow and deliver for our customers and partners.

"By combining our expertise across personal and commercial lines, we will enhance our technical capabilities, accelerate the use of technology and AI and scale best practice across the business. This move strengthens our competitive position and creates a more dynamic and attractive environment to work.”

A managing director for retail and a managing director for commercial have been appointed to ensure continued focus on these markets and customers. Both will report to Jon. 

Julie Barbey will join in May as managing director – retail, from AXA France, where she led its largest regional retail team. Mike Crane has been appointed managing director - commercial having led the AXA commercial sme and specialty teams.

www.axa.co.uk 

Pictured: Jon Walker