AXA XL has announced that Neil Cole will be promoted to the position of Global Chief Underwriting Officer, Marine, effective from 1 April.
He continues to be based in London and will be part of AXA XL’s Global Chief Underwriting Office (GCUO), while reporting directly to Anne Marie Elder, Global Chief Underwriting Officer, Specialty.
Cole will be responsible for guiding the strategic direction and fostering growth for AXA XL’s Marine portfolios, the global (re)insurer said in an announcement. He will also work closely with regional underwriting teams to encourage profitable expansion through support in pricing, risk aggregation, and global product strategy.
Prior to his promotion, Cole served as Global Head of Underwriting Management and Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer, Marine. He has extensive industry experience, with a 25-year tenure in the marine insurance industry, including a decade at AXA XL.
His career, which also includes time at Zurich and Starr Insurance, began in claims, after which he transitioned to underwriting, focusing on international marine markets.
Elder praised Cole’s appointment, commenting, “With a career spanning over more than two decades, a deep knowledge of our industry and the respect he’s earned over the years, Neil is an ideal candidate to support our regional underwriting teams and drive the profitable development of our marine portfolio.”