AXIS Capital Makes Two Leadership Appointments

IBA - May 10, 2023 - AXIS Capital Holdings has announced two appointments to newly created positions within its specialty insurance business. 

The company has appointed Mark Gregory as head of global markets and Michael J. McKenna as head of North America.

Gregory and McKenna will each report directly to Vince Tizzio, president and CEO of AXIS.

“Mark and Mike are exceptional leaders who embody our focus on underwriting and operational excellence,” Tizzio said. “Their leadership will be essential as we help AXIS realize its full potential as a specialty underwriter that consistently delivers profitable results to our shareholders and value to our customers. To achieve this, we’re tapping into our heritage as a high-performing underwriting company known for the knowledge and subject-matter expertise of our people, as well as the high level of service that we provide to our customers.”

In his new position as head of global markets, Gregory will oversee underwriting and business growth strategies for AXIS Capital’s international retail lines in Europe and the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America, as well as its global practices, including cyber and accident and health insurance. Gregory previously served as CEO of AXIS Capital’s International Division.

“Mark is a proven leader with an expansive understanding of the global specialty and retail markets and a demonstrated record of success that includes growing our International Division to be among the top performers in the London and Lloyd’s marketplace,” Tizzio said.

As head of North America, McKenna will oversee underwriting and business growth strategies for the company’s North America wholesale and retail businesses. Global distribution (insurance) and digital will also report to McKenna.

Prior to joining AXIS, McKenna held chief underwriting officer roles with Falvey Insurance Group, The Hartford (Global Specialty Division) and Navigators (US Insurance Segment). He also served as senior vice president of Aon Benfield’s specialty reinsurance division.

“Mike is an excellent leader with deep underwriting acumen, who has successfully guided underwriting functions at high-caliber organizations while creating, implementing, and executing strategies that have delivered sustainable, profitable growth businesses,” Tizzio said.

Gregory and McKenna are the latest appointments at AXIS Capital. Last month, the company named Megan Watt as chief claims officer.