AXA XL builds India bench with strategic appointments

New additions to power facultative reinsurance growth

AXA XL builds India bench with strategic appointments

Insurance News

By Roxanne Libatique

AXA XL has reinforced its India operations through a series of new appointments, as part of broader strategic efforts to deepen its presence in the Asia reinsurance market.

The hires follow the recent appointments of:

  • Alok Shukla as CEO of XL Insurance Company SE – India reinsurance branch, effective April 1; and
  • Sylvie Gleises as regional CEO for Asia, effective March 24.

AXA XL India appointments

The Mumbai-based team expansion includes roles across underwriting, claims, and support functions – enhancing AXA XL’s capacity to deliver facultative reinsurance solutions for Indian clients and brokers.

Among the additions:

Saurabh Bhootara (pictured above left) took on the position of property, energy, and construction underwriter on April 1. He brings over 15 years of industry experience, with prior roles focused on property and engineering underwriting at Liberty Mutual.

Priya Manchanda (pictured above right) joined on April 8 as a claims specialist. With a background in both client and broker-facing roles, she was previously employed by WTW India.

Vinod Kumar (pictured immediately below), an internal appointment, became assistant underwriter on May 6. He has more than 13 years of experience in managing risks across cyber, casualty, and property segments.

Saumitra Sharma (pictured immediately below) assumed the role of chief underwriting officer on May 12. His 20-year career spans underwriting, risk engineering, claims, and reinsurance, most recently at Swiss Re.

Akash Jain (pictured immediately below) joined as underwriting assistant on May 14. He has spent 11 years in operational roles related to facultative and treaty reinsurance, including work at KM Dastur Reinsurance Brokers.

Shukla said the additions will help bolster AXA XL’s capabilities in one of Asia’s key growth markets.

“Each new team member brings specialist expertise and a deep understanding of the market, enabling us to better support our clients and broker partners. I’m delighted to welcome them to the team,” he said.

“India is a key market for AXA XL’s growth in Asia,” Gleises said. “With Alok at the helm and a strong team in place, we are well-positioned to deepen our market presence and deliver greater value to our partners. I look forward to seeing the impact this team will make in the region.”

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