Three insurance firms have announced senior leadership appointments across underwriting, commercial broking and MGA-focused reinsurance services. Among the developments, AXA XL’s latest executive changes highlight a broader industry trend as insurers increasingly expand beyond traditional risk transfer into advisory and risk prevention services.
AXA XL Names New Global Chief Underwriting Officer
AXA XL has appointed Jeanmarie Giordano as its new global chief underwriting officer, succeeding Libby Benet. Benet will transition to chief executive officer of AXA XL Risk Advisory, the insurer’s recently established division that combines risk consulting, loss prevention and advisory services under a unified structure.
Benet’s appointment reflects a significant strategic move by AXA XL. Across the insurance sector, carriers are increasingly investing in prevention and advisory capabilities to help clients manage risks before losses occur. By creating a dedicated business unit led by a CEO-level executive, AXA XL is reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients throughout the entire risk management process rather than focusing solely on insurance coverage.
Giordano joins AXA XL from Everest, where she served as North America chief underwriting officer since March 2025. She previously held the position of chief underwriting officer for financial lines and specialty. Prior to Everest, she spent nearly 15 years with AIG in several senior leadership roles, including global head of multinational for financial lines and chief underwriting officer for professional liability.
In her new role, Giordano will lead AXA XL’s global underwriting strategy, collaborating with business leaders and product teams to strengthen underwriting discipline, technical excellence and portfolio resilience.
Howden Strengthens North Wales Presence
Howden has appointed Andrew Kells as commercial account executive in North Wales. His appointment follows the recent addition of Nathan Brookfield to the region’s commercial insurance team.
Kells joins the business from Brown & Brown in Caernarfon and will focus on delivering comprehensive commercial insurance solutions tailored to client requirements.
The appointments form part of Howden’s ongoing investment in North Wales following its acquisition of general insurance broker Gott and Wynne in Llandudno in October 2025, which marked the company’s entry into the regional market.
Augment Risk Expands MGA Expertise
Augment Risk has appointed Lee Bonnett to support the growth of its managing general agent (MGA) client portfolio. Based in London and reporting to partner Mark Aylward, Bonnett will focus on developing relationships and solutions for MGA clients.
Bonnett brings more than three decades of insurance industry experience, including 10 years dedicated to structuring and placing portfolio and monoline solutions for MGAs operating in North America, Australia and the UK.
He joins from Acrisure London Wholesale, where he specialised in catastrophe-focused technology MGAs serving the US market. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at Marsh and Towergate Insurance.
The appointment follows Augment Risk’s recruitment of Lucy Carter as partner for its US MGA business earlier this year. Together, the hires reflect the company’s continued investment in the MGA sector, which remains an attractive area for carriers, brokers and investors seeking access to specialised underwriting opportunities in niche markets.
