Head of NA Financial Lines, Programs & Canada

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance. We stand apart for our outstanding client service intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial disciplined and ethical corporate culture. As a member of AXIS you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic including age color disability ethnicity gender identity marital status national origin pregnancy race religion sex sexual orientation veteran status or any basis prohibited by the laws that govern its operations.

About AXIS
This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital a leading provider of specialty insurance and global reinsurance. We give people and organizations the confidence to take necessary risks in the pursuit of their goals and ambitions. Our strength is grounded in our people and culture which encourages collaboration diversity and entrepreneurialism.

Life at AXIS
Hybrid work model: We value work-life balance and offer flexibility to our employees through a hybrid work model
Diverse and inclusive environment: We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for all employees
Career growth opportunities: We are committed to your professional development and offer various opportunities for growth advancement
Social impact initiatives: We believe in making a difference and support various social and environmental causes




Contact
Andrew Darby

Role Overview
The Head of NA Financial Lines Programs & Canada is a critical senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the underwriting strategy portfolio management profitability and growth agenda across the NA Financial Lines portfolio Programs & Canada business. Reporting to the Head of NA Insurance this executive will lead a team of underwriting leaders and collaborate closely with Distribution Claims Actuarial Pricing Reinsurance and Risk Management to deliver sustainable profitable growth.
The role requires a commercially minded underwriting leader with proven experience managing complex portfolios across Financial Lines and retail distribution channels strong market relationships and a track record of driving underwriting excellence innovation and disciplined risk selection.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute the global strategy for Financial Lines Programs & Canada businesses aligning with enterprise objectives and risk appetite.
Establish underwriting priorities growth initiatives product development strategies and market positioning.
Monitor industry trends emerging risks regulatory developments and competitive dynamics to identify opportunities and threats.
Partner with executive leadership to drive profitable growth and enhance shareholder value.

Portfolio Management & Underwriting Excellence
Maintain accountability for portfolio profitability growth retention rate adequacy and expense performance.
Drive underwriting discipline through robust governance risk selection pricing oversight and portfolio analytics.
Ensure underwriting practices align with established risk appetite authority frameworks and regulatory requirements.
Lead portfolio reviews and take proactive action to address underperforming segments.

Financial Performance
Own business plan achievement across premium profitability combined ratio and return-on-capital metrics.
Collaborate with actuarial and finance teams to establish pricing strategies and reserve adequacy assessments.
Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions where required.
Support capital allocation and reinsurance decisions through data-driven portfolio insights.

Leadership & Talent Development
Establish and maintain robust pricing governance standards and controls across regions.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal risk management frameworks.
Provide independent actuarial input to underwriting decisions where required.

Distribution & Market Engagement
Maintain strong relationships with brokers clients and key market stakeholders.
Partner closely with Distribution leadership to strengthen market relevance and business development efforts.
Represent the organization at client meetings industry conferences and market events.
Promote a consistent and differentiated value proposition across target segments.

Cross Functional Partnership
Work closely with Claims Actuarial Pricing Reinsurance Risk Management Legal and Operations to optimize business outcomes.
Champion underwriting innovation data analytics and technology-enabled solutions.
Support strategic initiatives including product enhancements digital transformation and operational efficiency improvements.



Qualifications & Experience

Bachelors degree in Business Finance Risk Management Economics or related field.
15 years of progressively responsible underwriting leadership experience within Financial Lines and/or Commercial Insurance.
Demonstrated experience managing large complex underwriting portfolios across multiple regions and distribution channels.
Strong understanding of Financial Lines products including D&O EPL Fiduciary Crime Professional Liability Cyber and related specialty lines.
Proven track record delivering profitable growth and portfolio optimization.
Experience leading senior underwriting teams within a global insurance organization.

Preferred
Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent).
Professional insurance designations (CPCU FCAS ACAS ARM or equivalent).
Experience operating within both retail and wholesale insurance markets.
International underwriting or multinational leadership experience.


Key Competencies
Strategic Thinking
Executive Presence
Commercial Acumen
Portfolio Management
Underwriting Excellence
Financial & Analytical Expertise
Relationship Management
Change Leadership
Talent Development
Decision-Making & Accountability
Collaboration & Influence
Success Measures
The successful candidate will:
Deliver profitable growth aligned with strategic objectives.
Improve portfolio performance and underwriting consistency.
Strengthen broker and client relationships across key markets.
Build and develop a high-performing underwriting organization.
Enhance market position within Financial Lines and North America Retail.
Drive underwriting innovation and operational excellence.

What We Offer:
You will be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family health and wellness programs retirement plans tuition reimbursement paid annual leave and much more.

Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location.
In addition you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.