Replacing Amanda Blanc as CEO of AXA UK and Ireland, after Blanc’s announced move to Zurich, was never going to be an easy task – but AXA feels as though they’ve found their man.
The company has today revealed its new chief executive of AXA UK and Ireland beginning September 01 – in the form of Claudio Gienal (pictured). Previously the firm’s chief strategic development officer, Gienal is now set to steer the company’s Ambition 2020 strategy and lead its executive team across the region.
“I am delighted to take up the role of CEO of AXA UK and Ireland and I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “The UK business has a strong track record on innovation and is working hard to embrace the future of an ever-changing insurance industry.
“The business also has a real focus on diversity and inclusion among its staff and wants to foster greater trust with its customers, two issues which are close to my heart. I am looking forward to working closely with the team and am excited about being part of its ongoing success.”
Gienal has extensive experience in the sector – beginning his career at Accenture back in 1998 before moving to McKinsey & Company in 2004. He was also chief operating officer at Zurich UK and CEO for Zurich Life Switzerland. He made the switch to AXA in 2008.
“Claudio is a leader who brings focus and collaboration, a strong and straight forward approach and an understanding of our UK business,” said Scott Wheway, chairman, AXA UK. “I am confident he is the right person to take the UK and Ireland business forward, to deliver on our Ambition 2020 strategy, which remains unchanged, and to shape with the Executive team our strategic focus up to 2025 and beyond.”
