AXA UK appoints David Ovenden as Chief Underwriting Officer for its Commercial business

21 September 2021

Posted in Newsroom

  • David Ovenden is appointed as Chief Underwriting Officer for the AXA Commercial business and will sit on the Commercial Executive Committee
  • David will be responsible for delivering pricing and underwriting programmes and further developing the underwriting strength of the Commercial business
  • David Ovenden succeeds David Williams who is leaving to pursue non-executive opportunities after 41 years with AXA

AXA UK has announced the appointment of David Ovenden as Chief Underwriting Officer for its Commercial business. David Ovenden succeeds David Williams who, after 41 years with the business across a variety of roles, is leaving AXA at the end of the year to consider non-executive roles.

David Ovenden joins us from Willis Towers Watson, where he has successfully led, developed and grown their Pricing and Underwriting Practice over the last few years. Prior to his move into consulting, he worked for both Aviva and RSA, leading underwriting businesses in the UK, Canada and across Europe.

As Chief Underwriting Officer for AXA UK’s Commercial business, David will be responsible for delivering pricing and underwriting programmes and bringing focus and energy to the continued development of underwriting capabilities across the commercial business.

David will join the business in December, and will report into Jon Walker, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Commercial. He will also join the Commercial Executive Committee.

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“It is a pleasure to welcome David Ovenden to the AXA Commercial business. His experience, knowledge and leadership skills are invaluable as we drive forward our vision and focus to further strengthen our underwriting capabilities. I would like to thank David Williams for his contribution to the business over the last 41 years. He has been a true asset in many areas.”

Jon Walker, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Commercial

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“I am extremely excited to be taking a key role in the UK commercial insurance market with the AXA team. AXA Commercial’s vision and direction is aligned with my own and I can see an extraordinary fit.”

David Ovenden, Chief Underwriting Officer, AXA Commercial