Head of Property, Central - XL Group

Head of Property, Central

Chicago, IL

As Head of Property, you will set strategy and direction for the team in support of the Region’s and broader organization’s goals  Pricing Strategy, Product offering and geography. Successful candidates will work closely with Legal/Compliance, Strategy, Pricing, Data/Analytics, Claims and Distribution leads.

You will be responsible for the execution of the strategies for the Product.  This role will manage an underwriting team and oversee a portfolio of accounts.  Additionally, this role manages all Underwriting including the planning and monitoring work, development of underwriting and/or marketing skills, and ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines.

This position has direct accountability for the business results within the Zone and with respect to profitability, penetration and/or volume within a specific account, segment, geographic area, product or line of business.

The Zonal Underwriting Head for Property will be based in our Central Zone and report to the CUO of Americas Property. 

DISCOVER your opportunity

What will youressential responsibilities include?

• Responsible for all aspect of the business including the production of profitable growth, customer retention, expense management, adherence to underwriting & operational standards/controls as well as adherence to all regional and corporate standards and guidelines.
• Manage and build Eastern Zone portfolio premium levels
• Execute Product Line Strategies within the Zone in support business objectives.  Measure effectiveness of strategies and adjust as necessary. 
• Work collaboratively with the distribution zonal executives and Head of US (Matt O’Malley) to help drive our new business goals and renewal retentions.  These new zonal will work with our regional managers while focusing on business profitability to execute underwriting strategies in support of divisional and corporate objectives and long-term business plans.
• Support an underwriting vision that recognizes changing business and competitive environment dynamics, key business drivers, and financial elements to demonstrate the value we bring to our clients and brokers. 
• Drive underwriting excellence across the business by establishing and ensuring adherence to risk appetite, standards and guidelines, and ensure rating and pricing adequacy.
• Development and training of all Staff including the advancement of Underwriters’ skills and development.
• In collaboration with HR, develop tools and strategies to attract and retain top industry talent and develop high performing teams.
• Work collaboratively with zonal executives, regional managers, actuary, claims and finance teams to achieve the business’ strategic and underwriting objectives.
• Drive a culture that promotes collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.

You will be reporting to Chief Underwriting Officer, Property and Multinational Solutions.

SHARE your talent

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Robust knowledge of the Americas region property insurance industry, combined with in-depth technical knowledge of insurance product offerings.
• Ability to lead a team that will deliver the most efficient and best possible customer experience.
• Proven business acumen to engage colleagues in how the needs of our customers are met through our vision, strategy, and operational plans. 
• Ability to build and drive positive, helpful, and seamless end-to-end customer, broker and/or partner experiences in the spirit of our purpose.
• A leader who anticipates customer and market trends in order to position AXA XL as a responsible and innovative “market shaper” and Thought Leader in the industry.
• Consistently pursue opportunities to differentiate AXA XL in the industry through our offerings and how we conduct business.
• Ability to energize a team through a compelling vision of the business and for the future.
• A proven bold decision maker who can drive results in uncertain environments.
• An engaged leader who proactively challenges the status quo to create momentum and action for change.

FIND your future

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more ataxaxl.com

Inclusion & Diversity

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. 

At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, and create an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• 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

Learn more ataxaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity.  AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sustainability 

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy.In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future.Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience,” focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations. 

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature:How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change:The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG:All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action:  We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving. 

For more information, please seeSustainability at AXA XL.

The U.S. pay range for this position is USD 250,000 – 280,000. 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 visitUS Benefits at a Glance 2025.