Head of Commercial Bond

Head of Commercial Bond, Americas – AXA XL

AXA XL is a global leader in property, casualty, financial lines and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Our focus is on delivering innovative risk solutions that help mid‑to‑large enterprises thrive in a rapidly changing world.

• Strategic Leadership & Profit & Loss
  • Define and execute the strategic underwriting direction for the Commercial Bond unit within the Political Risk, Credit and Commercial Bond organization.
  • Develop and implement a business development strategy that drives profitable growth, portfolio diversification and new product applications.
  • Contribute to budgeting, profitability targets, pricing strategy and portfolio management.
  • Manage renewals, origination and underwriting of new business.
  • Coordinate and align Commercial Bond activities across regions.
  • Translate strategic plans into organizational direction and ensure consistency in underwriting, risk appetite and sales strategies.
  • Review complex and escalated business to make underwriting recommendations aligned with organizational objectives.
• Growth, Market Expansion & Channel Management
  • Develop, enhance and manage broker and client relationships on a national level.
  • Lead growth initiatives and geographic expansion, including new broker partnerships and cross‑sell opportunities.
  • Design and manage a robust broker distribution strategy to capture market share in current and new regions.
  • Recommend underwriting strategies and opportunities, identifying operational efficiencies.
• Talent Development & Organizational Health
  • Manage and mentor high‑performing Commercial Bond regional underwriting teams across North America, implementing succession planning and development plans.
  • Foster a culture of learning, cross‑functional collaboration and accountability.
• Stakeholder Engagement & External Representation
  • Maintain strong relationships with brokers, clients and cross‑functional leaders (Product, Pricing, Operations).
  • Share relevant industry underwriting information across the PRCB product teams.
  • Represent the organization at industry events and internal/external forums to advance the Commercial Bond business.
• Operations & Continuous Improvement
  • Streamline processes and leverage data and technology (e.g., workflow tools, analytics dashboards) to improve efficiency and decision quality.
• Change Management & Future Readiness
  • Lead and manage change initiatives (growth, product development, process improvements) with a focus on adoption and business impact.

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in underwriting surety and commercial bond products.
• Proven track record managing a market‑leading team.
• Advanced technical knowledge of product and industry, reflecting progression through various job family levels.
• Strong leadership skills – ability to motivate, influence and achieve performance targets.
• Advanced analytical, negotiation and sales/marketing skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Interpersonal savvy – ability to build and maintain robust insured and broker contacts.
• Strategic thinking – ability to develop and understand business processes, strategy and planning.
• Adaptability – ability to respond to a changing environment with flexibility and innovation.
• Collaborative mindset – providing creative solutions and ideas for resolution.

U.S. base salary range: USD 225,000 – 275,000 (actual pay determined by skills, experience and location). Comprehensive benefits include a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and extensive learning opportunities.

AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity and provide a supportive workplace for all employees.