AXA XL has added to its broker and client management team with the appointment of Josh Harwood, who joined the insurer after 17 years at Telephone & Data Systems (TDS), a Chicago-based Fortune 500 company, where he was director of risk management.

Harwood will be based in Chicago as AXA XL’s client distribution leader for the US north central region and will report to Todd Sutherland, US north central regional leader. Harwood will be one of AXA XL’s key points of contact for brokers and clients throughout the region, helping them address their multi-line property, casualty, and specialty insurance needs.

“Josh brings a valuable perspective to our team,” said Sutherland.

“He’s been a risk manager. He’s been a broker. Tapping into his experiences, Josh’s insight will help us develop and deliver the insurance offerings that our clients and brokers need and want.”

“And given his experiences, I’m confident that he decided to join us knowing that AXA XL could deliver the insurance and risk management solutions that his fellow risk managers and brokers need.”

Harwood’s career also includes a tenure as a property broker with Aon. He earned his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and has an undergraduate degree in risk management and insurance from the University of Wisconsin.