In his new role, Swatton will focus on strengthening the Hong Kong team, driving regional market growth, and working closely with partners and internal stakeholders to deliver strategic distribution initiatives. With more than 15 years of experience in Asia, Swatton brings deep market expertise and a proven track record in building high-performing commercial teams.
“I’m thrilled to join AXA Global Healthcare at a pivotal moment for the IPMI industry, where innovation and client-centric solutions are shaping the future of healthcare,” Swatton said. He added that the opportunity to scale AXA’s regional presence and enhance the company’s reputation for delivering high-value solutions is what drew him to the role. “This role offers a unique opportunity to build on the strong foundation of the Hong Kong team, expand our presence across Asia, and work with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that our sustainable, high-value solutions remain the first choice for all of our clients.”
Swatton’s appointment follows a successful career in senior leadership positions at Bupa, where he served as Head of Commercial Sales and, previously, Head of Client Management. During his tenure, he led the development of impactful commercial strategies and helped design innovative client propositions that advanced the company’s regional offering. Prior to that, he held roles as Business Development Director and later as General Manager for a regional insurance broker in Hong Kong.
AXA Global Healthcare views Swatton’s arrival as a key asset to support the company’s ambitious regional goals. Andy O’Cain, Head of Global Distribution, praised Swatton’s combination of strategic thinking and local experience. “We’re delighted to welcome James to the team. His proven leadership and deep understanding of the Asian IPMI market make him ideally placed to help us further accelerate our regional ambitions,” O’Cain said.
He continued, “James brings both strategic vision and hands-on experience, and I’m confident he will play a key role in strengthening our distribution capabilities and deepening our relationships across the region.”
The appointment marks another step in AXA Global Healthcare’s broader strategy to expand its presence across Asia, leveraging seasoned leadership to meet rising demand for flexible, client-focused health insurance solutions in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
