AXA XL Insurance has launched an Underwriting Innovation Office in the Americas to drive innovation to support business initiatives. The Underwriting Innovation Office will liaise across AXA XL’s business lines and support functions in the Americas, including Client Distribution, Underwriting, Risk Engineering/Consulting, among others, to support innovation initiatives that range from incremental to disruptive.

“With this launch, we’re establishing a dedicated, regional resource to help us make the most of our strategic partnerships, deploy successful innovation across business lines, align with AXA Group’s innovation plans and more,” said Joe Tocco, AXA XL’s CEO of the Americas.

Rose Hall, currently head of Construction Innovation, has been appointed head of Innovation, Americas to lead the Underwriting Innovation Office. In her new role, Hall reports to the chief underwriting officer for the Americas, Donna Nadeau.

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W.R. Berkley Corporation has formed Berkley E&S Solutions, a new business unit that will provide surplus lines casualty coverages to middle-market and large accounts through individual wholesale broker appointments.

Curtis E. Fletcher has been named president and chief executive officer of the new business, effective immediately. He has been with Berkley for 24 years, having joined Admiral Insurance Group in 1998 and serving as its president from 2018 to 2021, when he was named its chairman.

“The creation of Berkley E&S Solutions will further expand our presence in the excess and surplus lines segment by establishing a sustainable market for mid- to large-sized, complex risks,” said W. Robert Berkley Jr., president and chief executive officer of W.R. Berkley Corporation, when announcing the division.