AXA XL Appoints Simon Rees as Chief Underwriting Officer for North America

AXA XL Elevates Simon Rees to Chief Underwriting Officer for North America

In a notable leadership shift, AXA XL has appointed Simon Rees as the Chief Underwriting Officer for North American Programs, effective April 1, 2025. This strategic move aligns with the company's goal to strengthen its operations within the specialty program market, which is crucial for addressing unique business challenges through tailored solutions.

Professional Background

Mr. Rees has been an integral part of AXA XL since 2017, initially joining the company in London. There, he played a vital role as the Head of Reinsurance Reserving for the International and London region. In 2021, he transitioned to New York, taking on the role of Deputy Chief Actuary in the Americas. His exemplary performance led to his promotion to Chief Actuary in 2022. With over two decades of experience in the insurance sector, Mr. Rees’s background includes collaborations with businesses ranging from startups to major multinational firms. His proven track record for leading global teams to achieve outstanding financial results positions him well for this new role.

Comment from Leadership

Tim Whisler, who heads the Wholesale Solutions in the Americas, expressed confidence in Mr. Rees's capabilities. He stated, "Simon's extensive experience and skillset will further enhance our capabilities in the specialty program market. His expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our existing partnerships and evaluating and onboarding new programs as we focus on growth in this important segment of our business."

Mr. Whisler highlighted the significance of program administrators in the industry, noting that their specialized underwriting expertise facilitates businesses in addressing specific challenges. “We are grateful for our long-term partnerships with program administrators,” he emphasized, pointing out the access these collaborations have granted to AXA XL’s expansive resources and decades of expertise in insurance programs.

Looking Ahead

AXA XL is committed to fostering collaboration and advancing growth in the specialty programs market. Under Mr. Rees's leadership, the company anticipates continued innovation and enhancement of its service offerings. Mr. Whisler remarked, “Programs are a vital segment of our industry and help businesses solve for unique challenges through customized solutions.”

About AXA XL

AXA XL specializes in providing insurance and risk management solutions tailored for mid-sized companies to large multinational enterprises. Its strategic focus on the changing landscape of risk is captured in the campaign ‘Facing into Risk.’ This initiative underscores AXA XL's commitment to innovation in managing risks associated with business progress.

For more information about AXA XL and its offerings, visit www.axaxl.com.

As the organization enters this new chapter in leadership, the integration of Mr. Rees's vision and experience is expected to significantly enhance AXA XL’s capabilities in the North American insurance market. The company remains focused on driving growth and strengthening its specialties while maintaining its commitment to client success.