AXA XL appoints Donnacha Smyth as Global CUO, Casualty

AXA XL, the property, casualty and specialty risk division of AXA, has appointed Donnacha Smyth as its new Global Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) for Casualty, effective November 3rd, 2025.

Currently, Smyth is based in Bermuda, serving as the Head of Casualty for the Americas region. He will continue to lead Casualty in the Americas until a successor is named. However, as part of his transition, he will relocate to Ireland in 2026.

In his new global position, Smyth will work closely with regional CUOs to promote profitable growth, ensure underwriting consistency, and drive the development of innovative products.

Additionally, 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.

Smyth has over three decades of industry experience and has been with AXA XL since 2007. Since 2018, he has led the Americas Casualty team, overseeing the casualty practice in the insurer’s most profitable region.

This role involved overseeing primary risk management, excess risk management, multinational group captives, rail, and eight underwriting teams across the US and Bermuda.

Libby Benet, Global Chief Underwriting Officer, AXA XL, commented on the appointment, “Throughout his tenure at AXA XL, 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.”