In this new role, Smyth will collaborate with regional chief underwriting officers to drive profitable growth, ensure underwriting consistency and develop innovative casualty products. He will also oversee the professional development of underwriters through targeted training and technical skill programmes to maintain the highest standards of quality, compliance and best practice.

Libby Benet, AXA XL’s Global Chief Underwriting Officer, praised Smyth’s leadership and strategic vision, highlighting his success in redefining the excess liability appetite and delivering consistent underwriting performance. She noted his commitment to talent development and strong relationships with colleagues, clients and brokers as key to advancing AXA XL’s global casualty strategy.

Smyth brings more than three decades of industry experience and has been with AXA XL since 2007. Since 2018 he has led the Americas Casualty team, overseeing Primary Risk Management, Excess Risk Management, Multinational Group Captives, Rail and eight underwriting teams across the United States and Bermuda. He will continue to head the Americas Casualty practice until a successor is named.

AXA XL provides insurance and risk management solutions for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals and offers reinsurance services to insurers worldwide.