AXA XL poaches senior marine underwriter from Allianz AGCS

Re/insurer  AXA XL has tapped a senior marine underwriter from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty for its UK and Lloyd’s business.

Matthew Wells (pictured) joins as senior underwriter, marine - UK & Lloyd’s, responsible for developing and managing underwriting strategies for both renewing and new business within AXA XL’s marine book of business in the UK.

Wells will also work closely with AXA XL’s team of risk engineers in supporting clients to navigate the challenges and opportunities that currently exist in the market.

Wells has spent 15 years in the marine insurance industry, having begun his career as an underwriting assistant at Mercia Marine (Underwriting) Limited in 2006. He later spent more than ten years at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, most recently as a senior underwriter within its marine hull & yachts business.

Sundeep Khera, head of marine, UK & Lloyd's, and global head of hull at AXA XL, said: “It’s been a challenging couple of years for the global marine industry, with several headline-making losses serving as a reminder of risks faced by our clients. At the same time, the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic – such as supply chain disruption and laid-up vessels – suggest there will be plenty of challenges to overcome in 2022.

“In these uncertain times, we need to be doing all we can to give our clients the support they need as they seek to mitigate and transfer their risks and to take advantage of opportunities such as increased demand.

“Key to this is ensuring we have a team in place with the right talent and expertise, which is why I’m delighted to welcome Matt to his new role. His experience – particularly on the hull side – will be a huge benefit as we continue to provide an exceptional service to our clients.”

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