Axa hires middle-market executive from CNA

Axa XL said Monday it has hired Adele Smith, a middle-market insurance specialist from CNA Financial Corp., as it expands its newly launched middle-market business in the U.S.

New York-based Ms. Smith will be head of mid-market generalist at the Axa SA unit, and will build out the insurer’s multi-line property/casualty insurance for mid-sized generalist business in the U.S.

She reports to Matt Waters, Axa XL’s head of U.S. mid-market.

Ms. Smith was previously vice president, commercial underwriting officer at CNA.

John Liantonio, a private-equity insurance specialist from CNA Financial Corp., was hired earlier this year as head of mid-market private equity at Axa XL.