Donnacha Smyth Named AXA XL's Global Chief Underwriting Officer

Donnacha Smyth has appointed a new global chief underwriting officer for casualty, effective from November 3. As part of his transition into the worldwide post, Smyth who is currently the head of casualty for the Americas, will move from Bermuda to Ireland in 2026.

Key Highlights

•  Donnacha Smyth appointed AXA XL global chief underwriting officer.
•  He will focus on portfolio growth and underwriter development.
• Smyth transitions from Americas casualty head with 30 years' experience.

Smyth will collaborate with regional chief underwriting officers to create innovative casualty products, guarantee portfolio consistency, and promote profitable growth. In addition, he will be in charge of underwriter development, with an emphasis on compliance, technical training, and underwriting standards.

According to Libby Benet, global chief underwriting officer at AXA XL, Smyth was instrumental in altering the company's appetite for excess liability and implementing portfolio adjustments that bolstered steady underwriting performance.

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Smyth joined AXA XL in 2007 and has over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has been in charge of the Americas casualty team since 2018, managing eight underwriting teams in the US and Bermuda, as well as primary and excess risk management, rail, and multinational group captives. Until a replacement is found, he will remain in charge of casualties in the Americas.

As the market struggles with ongoing pressure from social inflation, litigation funding, and an expanding range of liability exposures, including as cyber and environmental risks, Smyth takes on the role of global casualty. Insurers are trying to strike a balance between customer desire for customized solutions and a wider capacity for major business risks, as well as disciplined underwriting and rate appropriateness.