AXA XL names manager for China insurance business

AXA XL Insurance has hired former Starr P&C Insurance China CEO HaoMing Zhou as its new country manager for China.

In his new role, Zhou is tasked with defining and implementing AXA XL’s insurance strategy in China, as well as enhancing relationships with clients and brokers in the region. He will also work with a range of stakeholders, including the leadership of AXA Tianping and AXA XL in Asia, to harness assets between the regional entities.

Zhou is based in Shanghai and reports directly to Gilles Fromageot, regional manager, Asia at AXA XL. He also reports indirectly to Yamin Zhu, CEO of AXA Tianping. Zhou holds a PhD in civil engineering and began his career as an engineer in China.

“As the risk landscape and economic conditions continue to evolve, businesses are faced with new challenges every day, further increasing the need for an expert partner,” Fromageot said. “Dr Zhou is a proven leader in the market and has a wealth of experience in the region. He will bring great strength to the team as we continue to grow our insurance presence across Asia, especially in China, where we utilise the combined products and services offering of AXA XL Insurance and AXA Tianping.”

Before joining AXA, Zhou was CEO and director of Starr P&C Insurance (China). Prior to that, he was head of construction, Asia at Brit Syndicate 2987, a division of Lloyd’s China. He also held a series of executive positions at Swiss Re, RSA and Aon China.