Vantage picks ex-AXA XL senior leader for top US financial lines role

Specialty re/insurance group  Vantage has appointed a former AXA XL, Liberty and AIG senior leader to lead its financial lines business in the US.

Richard Wall (pictured) has become head of US financial lines. He will be based in Connecticut and report to Alex Blanco, Vantage's chief executive, insurance.

Wall joined Vantage in 2021 with 25 years of industry experience. He previously held senior positions at AXA XL and leadership roles at Liberty and AIG.

In his new role, Wall will lead Vantage's US financial lines team, overseeing the US management liability and US financial institutions businesses. He will be responsible for consolidating and developing business and distribution strategies, portfolio management, and driving sustained, profitable growth.

The US management liability business will continue to report to Wall, while Bhuma Patel, head of financial institutions, will continue to lead the US financial institutions business and US transactional liability programme business.

"We're firmly committed to being a robust, long-term partner in Financial Lines under Rich's leadership. Our data-empowered underwriters are insightful and responsive thanks to Rich, Bhuma, and the team," said Blanco.

Wall commented: "I'm extremely proud of the Financial Lines team's accomplishments since entering the market, with strong support from our retail and wholesale distribution partners. We've laid a solid foundation for growth with our talented, highly experienced underwriting teams and broad product capabilities. Our momentum will accelerate, and I am looking forward to it."

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