AXA XL appoints Head of Coverholder Development, UK

AXA XL has appointed Samantha Wotton as Head of Coverholder Development, UK. She will be based in London and report to Elie Hanna, Chief Distribution Officer, UK & Lloyd’s at AXA XL.

In this role, Ms. Wotton will be responsible for developing, executing and leading AXA XL’s UK coverholder commercial strategy and engagement model. She will play a key role in strengthening and expanding AXA XL’s coverholder relationships, working closely with Underwriting teams to help profitably grow the portfolio and to maximise opportunities.

Commenting on her appointment, Elie Hanna, Chief Distribution Officer, UK & Lloyd’s at AXA XL said: “Delegated authority premiums at Lloyd’s alone, grew from £10.4bn in 2018 to £22.1bn in 2023 increasing its share of the Lloyds market from 30% to over 40%. This is expected to exceed 45% of market premium by 2027 according to analysis from Oxbow Partners. The coverholder market plays a vital role in the UK insurance ecosystem and is an important part of our UK & Lloyd’s business.

“We’re delighted to welcome Samantha, who will lead our coverholder engagement and continue to build on the strong proposition we offer in this space. Samantha is a highly respected leader, with strong market recognition and we look forward to introducing her to our coverholder and broker partners.”

Ms. Wotton brings over 20 years of industry experience and joins from DUAL Group, where she most recently served as Deputy Commercial Officer, responsible for the commercial strategy across DUAL’s delegated portfolio. She began her career at IFA, Independent Direct Financial Management before moving into insurance at Tokio Marine Kiln, where she spent almost 9 years. She then joined ArgoGlobal, before moving to DUAL Group in 2020.

Image provided by AXA XL

Alicia Ward