¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

Hamilton, Bermuda and New York - September 12, 2025

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵhas appointed Donnacha Smyth as its new Global Chief Underwriting Officer, Casualty, effective November 3.  Based in Bermuda, Mr. Smyth currently serves as Head of Casualty for the Americas region.  As part of his new global role, he will relocate to Ireland in 2026.  

Commenting on the appointment, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵGlobal Chief Underwriting Officer Libby Benet said, “Throughout his tenure at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Donnacha has demonstrated exceptional leadership by redefining the excess liability appetite and collaborating closely with underwriting and actuarial teams to execute portfolio transformations that lead to strong and consistent underwriting performance. His strategic vision and dedication to developing talent have helped him build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and brokers, fostering a culture of underwriting excellence and innovation.” 

“Donnacha’s commitment to talent development and relationship-building will be invaluable as he leads AXA XL’s casualty underwriting strategy on a global scale,” added Ms. Benet.  

In his new global Casualty role, Mr. Smyth will work closely with regional CUOs to promote profitable growth, ensure underwriting consistency, and drive the development of innovative products. He will also oversee the professional growth of underwriters through targeted training and technical skill enhancement, ensuring the team adheres to the highest standards of quality, compliance, and best practices. 

Having over three decades of industry experience, Mr. Smyth has been with ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵsince 2007. Since 2018, he has led the Americas Casualty team, overseeing the casualty practice in our most profitable region, including Primary Risk Management, Excess Risk Management, Multinational Group Captives, Rail, and eight underwriting teams across the U.S. and Bermuda. He will continue to lead Casualty in the Americas until a successor is named. 

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ABOUT AXA XL

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵprovides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com

ABOUT ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵINSURANCE

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵÓÈÎïÊÓƵoffers property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance solutions to mid-sized companies through to large multinationals globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com