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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Compensation & Benefits

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.

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