AXA XL Taps DUAL's Wotton for Top Coverholder Role

AXA XL named Samantha Wotton its new Head of Coverholder Development, the insurer's specialty risk unit said Tuesday.

Wotton joins from DUAL Group, the international underwriting arm of Howden Group, where she spent six years. At DUAL, she served as UK Deputy Commercial Officer, handling growth strategy.

The hire fills a key distribution role. Coverholder arrangements let Lloyd's syndicates like AXA XL write business through local brokers, a channel that has grown as carriers seek closer ties with regional underwriters.

Wotton will lead AXA XL's coverholder strategy and coordinate with the company's teams and wholesale partners, the firm said.

"The opportunity to lead Coverholder Development and work with an outstanding team, while helping to strengthen and grow one of the market's most important distribution channels, is one I am genuinely excited about," she said in a statement.

She replaces the prior head of the function, who left last quarter, according to a person familiar with the matter.

AXA XL competes with Chubb and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty for coverholder business. The channel has grown as carriers push underwriting authority to regional brokers who know local risk better than central teams.

The appointment is effective next month.