Several insurers have announced senior appointments aimed at strengthening broker relationships.
Nicola Cunliffe (pictured above, left) has been named as Markel’s head of trading in the UK. In the role, she will oversee broker engagement and trading operations.
Cunliffe has held leadership positions in insurance trading and operations, including as head of insurance operations at Flock and head of SME trading operations at AXA. In her new role, she will focus on improving the broker trading experience and ensuring brokers can interact with Markel through their preferred channels.
Commenting on her appointment, Cunliffe said she is looking forward to ensuring that UK brokers can trade the best way they can. “My focus will be on making the trading journey with Markel as seamless and efficient as possible for UK brokers,” she said.
AXA XL has named Martin Kilshaw (pictured above, right) as head of broker management and alternative distribution for the UK and Lloyd’s market. He will be responsible for broker engagement and overseeing AXA XL’s alternative distribution strategy, which includes broker facilities and AXA XL-owned Angel Risk Management.
Kilshaw has 23 years of experience in distribution and relationship management. He previously served as regional director south at AXA UK and has held roles in claims and corporate partnerships.
Elie Hanna, chief distribution officer at AXA XL’s UK and Lloyd’s market, said that Kilshaw will play a “key role” in achieving the company’s strategic goals and supporting its continued success.
“Kilshaw’s appointment reflects AXA XL’s focus on strengthening broker relationships and expanding alternative distribution channels,” Hanna said.
Jake Burgess has joined Tokio Marine Kiln as fine art and specie underwriter, while Ella Henderson has joined as life sciences underwriter. The appointments support the company’s plans to expand its underwriting capabilities in key growth areas.
Burgess, who has over 10 years of experience in underwriting and claims, was previously underwriting manager for US specie and West Zone fine art at AXA XL. Henderson joins from Superscript, where she specialized in medical technology.
Henderson’s appointment follows Tokio Marine’s expansion in the life sciences sector, which saw its book double in the past year.
“Having Jake and Ella come aboard demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our depth of talent across the business,” said Vivek Syal, chief underwriting officer at Tokio Marine. “Both bring a wealth of experience and a strong track record of delivery that will help us further enhance our leading capabilities across two key strategic growth areas, and we know they will help us deliver on our ambitions.”
