Head of Kidnap & Ransom, Americas

As Head of Kidnap & Ransom Underwriting in North America, you will lead the development of core underwriting strategies and product profitability for the Kidnap & Ransom line. You will partner with Product and Region Line of Business Leaders, the Head of Underwriting Operations, and cross-functional senior leaders to achieve the business unit’s financial objectives. This is a technical and client-facing leadership role responsible for directing the underwriting team, setting strategy and guidelines to maximize growth while effectively managing risk. The role also coordinates with AXA XL US Professional and the Crime teams to deliver comprehensive coverage of Kidnap Ransom for Commercial and Financial Institution clients in North America.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop underwriting appetite, segmentation strategy, and portfolio management for Kidnap Ransom in North America; set structure, pricing, and terms to support profitable growth.
• Maintain and modify underwriting policies, procedures, and authority guidelines to enable underwriters to profitably achieve financial goals.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Business Underwriting Solutions (BUS) to manage emerging risks and evolving trends; work with Actuarial to improve pricing models and analytics.
• Lead the audit/review process of the business unit to ensure technical compliance through adequate underwriting controls.
• Identify and develop centers of excellence among underwriters for specific industries (e.g., technology, energy, life sciences, etc.).
• Drive new product development (forms and endorsements) in collaboration with Product Management and other stakeholders.
• Support producer relationships and market visibility: collaborate with Americas LT, CUOs, LOB Managers, Sales, and Regional Management to achieve cross-selling objectives; develop new business opportunities via broker and insured relationships; support customer retention.
• Mentor and coach the underwriting team; develop succession plans; ensure effective communication and information flow.
• Develop reinsurance strategies and manage limit accumulations to balance earnings volatility and placement opportunities.
• Partner with the Chief Risk Officer and other functions to implement best practices and internal controls supporting enterprise risk management (e.g., internal audit, regulatory alignment).
• Develop standalone Kidnap Ransom business as part of the unit’s growth agenda.
• Conduct market-facing activities (meetings with brokers and clients) and coordinate marketing/production visits; engage in cross-marketing with other AXA XL units.

Reports to the Head of Crime and Crisis Management.

What You Will BRING

• Dynamic and collaborative people leadership; proven ability to build teams, set clear goals, and drive results through collaboration.
• Extensive experience in Kidnap & Ransom underwriting; solid knowledge of applicable lines, risk assessment, and pricing.
• Extensive underwriting experience with deep understanding of local market dynamics, distribution channels, and competitive landscape.
• Ability to source, train, develop, coach, and mentor a high-performing underwriting team.
• Superb broker relationships and demonstrated ability to advance those relationships.
• Ability to travel as needed to client meetings, markets, and broker events.
• Robust collaboration skills with cross-functional partners (Actuarial, ERM, Finance, Claims, Product Management, etc.).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership capabilities; ability to influence at senior levels.
• Familiarity with enterprise risk management concepts and internal controls.

What We OFFER

Inclusion

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do. We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Applicants for this role must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

The U.S. base salary range for this position is USD 157,700-292,900.

Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay.

At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers. For more details about AXA XL’s benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2026.

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