AXA XL has appointed Kerry Vitolano to lead its US risk management business as casualty remains an outlier in an otherwise softening US commercial insurance market.
Vitolano has been named head of East, US risk management and Head of US risk management. Based in New York, she will report to Matthew Stitham, AXA XL’s chief underwriting officer, Casualty in the Americas.
Vitolano joins AXA XL from AIG, where she most recently served as Vice President and Risk Management Branch Manager for New York and Boston, overseeing loss-sensitive primary casualty business in the New York region.
The appointment comes as large casualty programs continue to face rising rates and tighter conditions in parts of the market. According to Marsh’s US casualty market data, casualty rates increased 7% in the second quarter of 2026 even as overall US commercial insurance rates declined 2%. Excluding workers’ compensation, casualty rates rose 11%.
Pressure was particularly pronounced in umbrella and excess coverage. Risk-adjusted umbrella and excess rates increased 15%, while Marsh said capacity for unsupported and standalone umbrella placements remained constrained. Some insurers capped individual-risk capacity at $10 million because of the US litigation environment.
Against that backdrop, Vitolano will lead AXA XL’s East primary casualty team while also serving as a national resource for US risk management. Her responsibilities include casualty strategy, broker relationships and efforts to connect business across AXA XL’s large commercial and specialty operations.
The relationship between primary casualty and the wider liability tower has also become more important as carriers remain selective on deployment. Marsh said umbrella capacity was primarily being offered in support of primary casualty towers during the second quarter, while auto liability capacity remained selective. Some auto risks were able to secure better outcomes when placed alongside supporting lines, including workers’ compensation.
Vitolano’s appointment follows a series of changes across AXA XL’s US casualty and distribution leadership this year, including recent senior appointments aimed at strengthening its risk management and broker-facing operations.
The moves come as US casualty continues to be shaped by claims severity and litigation. Marsh said casualty rates have risen continuously since 2019, while large verdicts and settlements have contributed to higher attachment points for some large fleets and businesses operating in jurisdictions with heavier litigation exposure.
According to Stitham, Vitolano’s experience with loss-sensitive casualty portfolios will support the insurer’s work with large commercial accounts.
“As we continue to navigate a market facing disruption from increased litigation and emerging risks, Kerry's expertise is invaluable. She's successfully managed complex loss-sensitive portfolios and driven growth across corporate, energy, and construction accounts. Her experience will be a tremendous asset to our clients, our brokers, and our casualty business, as we further advance strategic partnerships and deliver powerful multi-line solutions that stay ahead of our clients' shifting risk landscape,” Stitham said.
