AXA announces changes in leadership

AXA Group has announced significant changes to its management committee as it prepares to launch its upcoming strategic plan in the first quarter of 2024.

Thomas Buberl, CEO of AXA, emphasised the pivotal nature of 2023 as the current plan, Driving Progress, concludes and a new strategic cycle begins. In a release, Buberl thanked Georges Desvaux, Antimo Perretta, and Gordon Watson, who will be stepping down from AXA's management committee, for their roles in the group's transformation.

The reshuffling includes changes in key geographies and central functions within the company.

• Patrick Cohen, CEO of AXA France and member of the management committee, will assume the role of CEO of European markets and health. In addition to overseeing European entities, Cohen will establish and develop a new business unit dedicated to the acceleration of AXA's international health operations.
• Guillaume Borie, deputy CEO of AXA France, will take on the position of CEO of AXA France and join the management committee.
• Hassan El-Shabrawishi, currently CEO of AXA Africa, will become the CEO of international markets, responsible for AXA's operations in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, India, and South-East Asia.

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The insurer also outlined structural changes regarding AXA Japan and AXA Greater China. These entities will report directly to George Stansfield, group deputy CEO and general secretary. Meanwhile, Gordon Watson will assume the role of non-executive chairman for Asia.

Buberl expressed confidence in the new appointments, stating that Cohen's leadership and Borie's experience make them ideal candidates for their respective roles. Buberl also commended El-Shabrawishi for his successful leadership in Egypt and Africa.

The management committee will see additional appointments in central functions.

• Nancy Bewlay, currently CEO of AXA XL Reinsurance, will assume the role of chief underwriting officer for the group.
• Françoise Gilles, chief strategic development officer for AXA Asia, will become the group chief risk officer.
• Anu Venkataraman, currently group head of investor relations, will take on the position of chief strategy officer for the group in addition to her existing role.
• Renaud Guidée, the group chief risk officer, will transition into the role of CEO of AXA XL Reinsurance, succeeding Nancy Bewlay. Guidée will report to Scott Gunter, CEO of AXA XL, and will also become a member of AXA's management committee.

The revised management committee, led by Buberl, is set to commence on July 1st.

AXA recently reported its results for the first quarter of 2023. AXA XL recently announced the appointment of Vicky Roberts-Mills as head of energy transition.

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