AXIS Capital selects distribution head for specialty markets in North

AXIS Capital Holdings has appointed Edmond Wu (pictured) as head of distribution – specialty markets, North America.

The newly created role will see Wu supporting and expanding AXIS Capital's existing strategic partnerships in the US, Canada, and Bermuda. 

 Wu brings extensive specialist knowledge and experience to AXIS Capital, having held executive positions with brokers and carriers. Based in New York, he will report to global head of distribution Ed Ashby. 

 “As we pursue our ambition at AXIS of achieving specialty leadership, a top priority is to even further deepen and grow our retail broker relationships in the US, Canada, and Bermuda markets,” said Ashby. “Ed, a seasoned distribution leader with a proven track record, will play a critical role in advancing this strategic imperative, and he is charged with leading and building a team that will operate out of North America.”

 Wu most recently served as head of global specialty and distribution at The Hartford. His career includes senior distribution roles at Navigators and Zurich and a tenure as the East Coast finpro placement leader at Marsh. He also held underwriting roles at AIG and Aetna.

In August, AXIS Capital released its second-quarter earnings report, revealing a net income of US$143 million. It also reported an underwriting income of US$115 million for the quarter. 

 “AXIS delivered strong top- and bottom-line results in the quarter as we further positioned the company as a specialty underwriting leader,” said president and chief executive Vince Tizzio in a news release.

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