Its latest announcement – the second since Monday – outlines the promotion of Simon Hearn to the role of chief underwriting officer for London market wholesale. Leading the division’s P&C London wholesale business starting next month, Hearn will be in charge of developing core underwriting strategies and product profitability.

“Simon will assume the leadership of a talented group of experienced underwriters who are very much leaders in their marketplace, and I’m certain that this combination positions us well for success,” commented global specialty chief executive Neil Robertson.

Meanwhile the incoming CUO, who is also the active underwriter for Syndicate 3002, will continue in his remit as head of life and wholesale accident & health until the New Year to ensure a smooth handover and transition.

Robertson noted: “During his time at XL Catlin and now AXA XL, Simon has built a strong reputation as a business leader with extensive experience in the Lloyd’s wholesale market. Simon has, through his tenure as active underwriter of Syndicate 3002, first-hand experience of the nuances and opportunities that the Lloyd’s market affords AXA XL.

“I’m therefore delighted that Simon has accepted the opportunity to lead our London-based wholesale property & casualty business, which is a considerable and important part of our operations at Lloyd’s.”

Hearn started out as a life and health underwriter at Black Horse Financial Services before spending time at AIG Life and Swiss Re. He came onboard AXA XL in 2009 and brings more than three decades of insurance and reinsurance industry experience to his new position.