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 CEO, Jon Walker (pictured), who assumes the role of CEO of AXA Insurance UK. Jon has overseen AXA’s retail business on an interim basis since the end of last year.
A managing director for retail and a managing director for commercial have been appointed to ensure continued focus on these markets and customers.
Julie Barbey will join as MD of retail in May from AXA France, while Mike Crane has been appointed MD of commercial, having led the AXA commercial SME and specialty teams.
Tara Foley, CEO 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 Walker’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.”
Jon Walker, CEO at AXA Insurance UK, commented: “Creating a unified general insurance business gives us greater scale, sharper focus and the ability to respond more effectively to changing market dynamics.
“Commercial and retail will continue to serve distinct customer needs and operate in different market contexts. But by working more closely together, we will create a more resilient and competitive organisation.
“I’m proud of how our teams have continued to deliver during this period of review. Their focus and professionalism give us a strong platform as we move forward with clarity and purpose.”
