AXA XL names Chris Caponigro as Head of Reinsurance Capital Management

AXA XL on Monday (16 Sep) announced that Chris Caponigro has joined the business as its new Head of Reinsurance Capital Management.

AXA XL has been active in the alternative capital market for over a decade through its alternative reinsurance capital and insurance-linked securities (ILS) management solutions.

In his new role, the United States-based Caponigro will be responsible for expanding the (re)insurer’s product offering and investor base while developing the team’s infrastructure and strategy, AXA XL said in its announcement.

He brings over 20 years of experience in the (re)insurance industry to the business, including as Global Head of ILS at AXIS Capital between 2021 and 2023, where he oversaw the team responsible for designing, implementing, and administering private capital investor relationships.

In his new role, he will report to Guy Van Hecke, AXA XL’s Head of Ceded Re, who commented on the importance of the appointment: “Third-party capital continues to demonstrate a strong appetite for insurance-linked securities (ILS). This demand aligns with our own strategy of accessing alternative sources of ceding capacity as part of our growth plans.”

Speaking on the appointment of Caponigro, Van Hecke added, “We have an existing and established team in this space, and our expertise and offering will be further strengthened by Chris’ appointment. Chris brings a wealth of industry experience, and his technical risk capabilities and financial structuring skillset will be key in achieving our strategic goals.”

Before his time at AXIS Capital, Caponigro built his extensive (re)insurance industry experience through diverse positions across underwriting, finance, and business development at companies including Platinum Underwriters and Everest Re.