AXA XL has expanded its energy and construction team with the appointment of Olivier Croese as product leader, energy & construction – APAC & Europe.

Croese, who will be based in Paris, France, will contribute to the development of AXA XL’s underwriting strategy for its energy and construction businesses in Europe, Asia, and Australia. He will work closely with the company’s local underwriting and distribution teams, a release said.

With more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, Croese joins AXA XL from SCOR, where he most recently served as senior offshore energy underwriter. At SCOR, he also held several energy and specialty underwriting and leadership roles, while being based in countries like France, Singapore and Australia. Croese began his career as a chemical engineer with the petrochemical company Axens.

“The drive to transition to a low-carbon economy is increasingly recognised and urgent,” said AXA XL head of energy & construction, APAC & Europe Guillaume Parard. “It presents significant opportunities for both the energy and construction sectors, but also comes with its set of risks. We have a role to play in helping businesses identify, understand and mitigate these risks; and I believe Olivier’s extensive experience and knowledge of the energy sector position him ideally to support our clients and partners as they navigate the changes ahead.