AXA XL has today revealed two key promotions in its marine and energy teams – that of Paul Rothery to global CUO, marine liability & ports, and Mark Appleton to head of energy liability, UK & Lloyd’s.
In his new role, Rothery (pictured above) takes on responsibility for developing AXA XL’s global portfolio and driving governance, underwriting guidelines and pricing standards across the business. He will also continue to hold his current position as head of marine liability & ports, UK & Lloyd’s.
Rothery recently celebrated his 20-year anniversary with AXA XL, having joined the insurer in 2002 as a graduate, before moving into the marine liability underwriting team in 2005. Over his tenure, he has held several leadership roles, including as regional product leader for marine liabilities & ports in Europe and Latin America.
Meanwhile, in his new role as head of energy liability, UK & Lloyd’s, Appleton (pictured below) will lead the UK & Lloyd’s energy liability team, delivering an ambitious growth strategy for the book. Appleton began his career in 1995 as an underwriter at the Liverpool and London P&I Club and, after a stint in broking, he returned to underwriting in 2007. In January 2021, he joined AXA XL as a senior underwriter.
Discussing the new appointments, Peter Welton, CUO, marine, energy & aerospace, UK & Lloyd’s at AXA XL, highlighted the need energy and marine clients have for an insurer partner with a collaborative and consistent approach. AXA XL has ambitious plans for these markets, he said, and having the right team in place is an integral element of its strategy for delivering on those.
“I’m therefore delighted that Paul and Mark will be taking on these new roles,” he said, “and am confident the commitment and attributes they bring with them will play an important role in helping us to achieve our goals.”
Anne Marie Elder, global chief underwriting officer, marine, at AXA XL, also commented on the appointments and noted that recent events have highlighted the “uncertain and volatile” nature of marine liability risks. As a result, she said, having the right team in place to help clients navigate and respond to new risks and/or exposures is essential.
“I’m therefore delighted that Paul will be taking on this new role,” she added. “Working with our marine teams in each region he will help them to stay on top of our clients’ changing risk profiles in addition to driving consistency of our practices, products and pricing across our marine liabilities business worldwide.”
