Axa XL

She has over 15 years’ experience managing PL and cyber portfolios.

John Schwirtz will report to Matt Waters, head of Axa XL's US mid-market business, and build out a mid-market underwriting team.

Based in New York, the executive will report to Axa XL CUO Libby Benet.

Pilko will succeed Joseph Tocco, who is retiring after more than 12 years with the company. He will remain as special adviser for the remainder of the year.

Having already served in the role in an interim capacity, Hopkinson will now permanently head up the company’s insurance operations north of the border.

The executive will be responsible for overall performance of the company’s insurance operations in the region and report to Axa XL’s US country manager Matt O’Malley.

At CNA, the executive managed a $500mn P&L for mid-market business out of New York.

Inside P&C’s news team runs you through the key highlights of the week.

Axa’s lack of success in selling its more volatile XL Re segment has led the insurer to cut back on those lines, but the current rate environment makes this a good time to revisit a sale.

The French carrier is exploring the spin-off of the XL Re operations via a private sale or stock market listing, according to Reuters.

At this week's Bermuda Climate Summit, speakers heralded the Island's future as a centre of excellence for climate-related innovation and risk transfer.

The appointment comes after a slew of cyber reinsurance brokers left Aon to join Howden.