AXA XL confirms McGovern as chief executive of the UK and Lloyd’s

AXA XL has appointed Sean McGovern as chief executive of the UK and Lloyd’s market.

McGovern has been performing the role on an interim basis for months and has now been confirmed on a permanent basis. He already serves on the leadership team, having joined XL Group in 2016, and has led the claims, legal and compliance and regulatory and government affairs functions. He also assisted in the merger of AXA Corporate Solutions, AXA Matrix, AXA Art and XL Catlin, and the formation of AXA XL.

Before joining XL Group, McGovern held various senior positions at Lloyd’s of London, having joined in 1996 from private practice at Clifford Chance. In 2002 he was appointed a director and Lloyd’s general counsel, with global responsibility for Lloyd's legal, regulatory and government affairs globally. In 2014 was named Lloyd's first chief risk officer and a member of the franchise board.

He is a board member of the Lloyd’s Market Association and a non-executive board member of TheCityUK, which promotes the UK financial services sector.  He is also chairman of its international trade and investment group.

Scott Gunter, chief executive at AXA XL, said the group’s new regional CEOs and structure will improve decision making and service to clients.

“Over the course of the last few months, [McGovern] has proven his ability to put our clients and brokers at the heart of what we do and to balance strategic thinking with the day-to-day requirements needed to fulfil this important leadership position,” he said.

The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.