AXIS Capital names new chair
Former QBE and Alterra Capital chairman Marston Becker will become the next chairman of AXIS Capital Holdings, AXIS has announced.
Becker will succeed Henry Smith, who has been chair since 2020 and will continue as a director after the transition takes place in in May.
“There is no better individual to succeed me as chair of the AXIS board of directors than Marty Becker. Over the past four years, the company has benefitted enormously from Marty’s wisdom, and deep understanding of the specialty property and casualty space.
“Marty brings first-hand experience leading carriers to transform their businesses while driving shareholder value creation. His guidance as Chair will be integral as AXIS takes further steps forward in realizing its ambition to achieve specialty leadership.”
Becker, who joined the Bermuda-based company's board in 2020, has held numerous chair and CEO roles for publicly traded and private insurance, reinsurance, and insurance brokerage organisations in Bermuda, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
“On behalf of the entire Board, thank you to Henry Smith for his tremendous leadership these past four years as our chair, which marked a period of significant positive transformation for AXIS,” said Becker. “It is a privilege to succeed Henry as chair, and to continue to serve with him, as we further support the significant progress that AXIS has made in elevating all aspects of its business.
“Under CEO Vince Tizzio, the Company is headed on a strong path and I look forward to working closely with Vince and my fellow Directors, as well as the AXIS team to continue to build on the exciting momentum that has been achieved.”
“Our team at AXIS is deeply appreciative of Henry for his leadership as Chair and continued service on our Board. Moreover, I have tremendous gratitude for Henry’s support and counsel as I transitioned into the CEO role,” said Tizzio. “I look forward to working closely with Marty in his new capacity, and our leadership team will profit significantly from his counsel and expansive knowledge of our industry.”
Becker is the immediate past chairman of the board of QBE Insurance Group. He was appointed to the QBE board in 2013, became chair in 2014, and served until March of 2020. Prior to this, he served as chairman and CEO at Alterra Capital and its predecessors from 2006 to 2013. Alterra was bought by Markel.
Since 2022, Mr. Becker has served as chairman of both MVB Financial Corporation and its subsidiary, MVB Bank, a multi-state community bank with a national presence in fintech banking, and a forward-thinking model that goes beyond traditional banking.
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