AXA XL reshuffles management in Asia and Europe

AXA XL has unveiled a new leadership team for Asia and Europe as it continues to implement changes to its insurance operating model.

Etienne Champion has been appointed chief underwriting officer for Asia and Europe, while Bruno Laval becomes chief distribution officer for Asia and Europe, and regional manager for European markets, including Austria and CSEE, Benelux, Iberia, Italy and the Nordics.

Craig Langham has been named regional manager for Asia Pacific, and Julien Guénot becomes country manager for France. Peter Knaus has been appointed country manager for Germany, with Manuel Meier named as country manager for Switzerland.

Champion joined AXA XL in December 2018 as head of underwriting, Asia with the company’s reinsurance business unit. He was previously with AXA Corporate Solutions which he had joined in 2000 and where he held several leadership positions; most recently chief operating officer, Asia. He will be based in Dublin.

Laval steps into the new roles from his current position as AXA XL Insurance’s regional manager for Europe. He joined AXA XL in 2001 as country leader for Iberia, before being promoted to add oversight for Latin America to his brief. He was appointed as regional manager for France and Southern Europe in 2016.

Xavier Veyry, chief executive officer of Asia & 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.”