It has been a busy week in the insurance world for top insurers announcing new appointments to leadership positions and today AXA XL has announced that Sean McGovern (pictured) will be taking on the role of CEO, UK & Lloyd’s market. McGovern has been carrying out the role on an interim basis for several months but has now been confirmed as a permanent appointment, subject to regulatory approval.
McGovern, who joined XL Group in 2016 has worked in a series of senior roles at the organisation, having led the claims, legal & compliance and regulatory & government affairs functions of the group and he played a key role in the merger of AXA Corporate Solutions, AXA Matrix, AXA Art and XL Catlin, and the formation of AXA XL.
McGovern previously worked in private practice at Clifford Chance before joining Lloyd’s of London in 1996, where, in 2002, he was appointed a director and Lloyd’s General Counsel. In 2014, he became Lloyd’s first chief risk officer and a member of the franchise board. He is currently a board member of the Lloyd’s Market Association as well as a non-executive board member of TheCityUK, and is chairman of its International Trade & Investment Group.
Speaking on the appointment, AXA XL CEO Scott Gunter said that McGovern’s deep understanding of AXA XL’s business, alongside his significant knowledge and experience of the London and Lloyd’s market, make him ideal for the role. Over the last few months, he said, McGovern has proven his ability to put AXA XL’s clients and brokers at the core of the business and to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day requirements.
“Sean’s appointment is a key step as we assemble the right team to drive AXA XL forward,” Gunter said. “Our new regional CEOs and structure will make us a simpler organisation to navigate, meaning that decisions can be made faster in country and we can continue to serve our clients to the very best of our ability.”
