AXIS launches portfolio underwriting unit
AXIS Capital Holdings has launched a portfolio underwriting unit, which targets multi-class portfolio business that is placed in the London specialty insurance market. The portfolio team is now actively underwriting portfolios of multi-class risks on a follow-line basis, in conjunction with trusted and proven lead carriers.
The unit is led by Christine Cook, who has joined AXIS in the newly created role of head of portfolio underwriting in the company’s international insurance division.
Cook has more than 20 years of underwriting experience within the London market and joins AXIS from AXA XL where she most recently served as head of alternative distribution for UK and Lloyd’s.
“The London specialty insurance market today is embracing a tiered underwriting model whereby traditional open market business is increasingly placed with proven, lead underwriters at one end of the spectrum, and low-touch, follow and portfolio-based capacity at the other end,” Alistair Robson, chief underwriting officer of AXIS Insurance International, said.
“The formation of the portfolio underwriting unit reflects our keen knowledge of specialty risk and our support for the evolution of the London market. It also aligns with our desire to work with our strategic distribution partners to harness technology and smart underwriting to continue delivering the best solutions for our customers.”
Cook added: “Specialist underwriting is at the core of AXIS and it is essential that we continue to underwrite and deliver solutions on the most effective platforms and through the most efficient channels to provide the best service for our distribution partners and customers. The Portfolio unit represents the strength and expertise of AXIS underwriting and of the London market’s ability to cover complex risks through collaborative and innovative approaches.”
