AXIS underwriting head exits – new promotions announced

AXIS underwriting head exits – new promotions announced | Insurance Business Canada

Insurance News

AXIS underwriting head exits – new promotions announced

It marks the close of a nearly four-decade-long journey in the industry

Insurance News

By
Kenneth Araullo

AXIS Capital Holdings has announced the retirement of Alistair Robson, the head of underwriting for AXIS Global Markets and chief underwriting officer of AXIS Managing Agency.

Robson will depart at the end of June 2024, marking the end of a distinguished 13-year tenure with AXIS and a 39-year career in the insurance industry.

Robson’s journey with AXIS began in 2011 when he was appointed as executive vice president and head of global property, and also took on the role of the first active underwriter of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1686.

His career trajectory at AXIS saw him being elevated to chief underwriting officer of the international division and AXIS Managing Agency, before moving into his latest position with the inception of Global Markets in 2023.

Mark Gregory, the head of AXIS Global Markets, praised Robson’s impact as a driving force in establishing Global Markets.

“Among Alistair’s considerable contributions to AXIS have been his integral role in the founding of Syndicate 1686 in 2014, the merger of the AXIS and Novae underwriting operations from 2017, putting in place a rigorous performance management regime, the regulatory approval of AXIS Managing Agency, and, more recently, the launch of AXIS Energy Transition Syndicate 2050,” Gregory said.

New promotions for AXIS Global Markets

The announcement of Robson’s retirement has led to a reshuffling within the Global Markets leadership, effective July 1:

Rory MacGregor, previously head of non-marine, has been promoted to head of underwriting, Global Markets, and will report to Gregory
Steve Cross, formerly head of construction, steps up as head of non-marine, Global Markets, under MacGregor’s leadership
Anna Woolley, who served as senior construction underwriter, advances to head of construction, Global Markets, continuing to report to Cross

Robson reiterated his commitment to working closely with the Global Markets leadership team to facilitate a seamless transition of his responsibilities.

“We thank Alistair for his leadership and contribution to AXIS and the wider industry, and congratulate Rory, Steve, and Anna on their well-deserved promotions,” Gregory said.

Elsewhere for the specialty re/insurer, AXIS Capital has also recently announced the promotion of Kyle Freeman to the role of AXIS ILS (insurance-linked securities) head.

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