AXIS appoints QBE's Becker in succession planning strategy

Bermuda-based re/insurer AXIS Capital Holdings has appointed W. Marston Becker to the company’s board of directors. Becker will serve as a member of the board’s executive, finance and risk committees.

Becker has held numerous senior leadership roles for publicly traded and private insurance, reinsurance and insurance brokerage companies in Bermuda, the UK, US and Australia during his 35-year career in the industry.

Becker served as chairman of the board of QBE Insurance Group from 2014 until April 2020. Prior to that, he was chairman and CEO at Alterra Capital, Trenwick Group and Orion Capital Corporation. Previously, Becker served as president and CEO of McDonough Caperton Insurance Group.

He currently serves as a member of the boards of Encova Mutual Insurance Company, Amynta Group - a national MGA, Source One Financial – a mortgage banker for the recreational vehicle industry, Dorado Insurance in Hamilton, Bermuda and the Mountain Companies – a southeastern US construction firm. Becker also serves on the advisory boards of the American Securities Fund and Cohesive Capital.

AXIS said Becker’s appointment is part of a multi-year succession planning strategy to ensure there is balance between longer-tenured directors and perspectives of newer directors. The board of directors currently has 12 members, 10 of whom are independent. Including Becker, AXIS has added five new independent directors over the past two years.

Michael Butt, chairman of AXIS Capital, said: “We are pleased to welcome Marty, a highly respected leader and operator within the (re)insurance field, to the AXIS Board. AXIS will benefit tremendously from his experience in the property and casualty space and his proven track record helping carriers transform and deliver on their potential. Marty’s appointment reflects our commitment to balancing thoughtful Board refreshment with deep company knowledge and expertise. He joins a Board that represents a diverse range of experiences, skills and perspectives that contribute to our ability to drive strategic execution and shareholder value creation.”

Becker commented: “In recent years, AXIS has made significant strides to reposition its business and build a more resilient, valuable and profitable Company. AXIS is on an exciting path forward, and I look forward to helping further these efforts. During a time of tremendous disruption, AXIS’ leadership has a clear vision for where the industry is headed, and the Company is well-positioned to succeed as a specialty player in the markets that are most likely to see the strongest growth.”