Bermudian-based Axa XL has appointed Michelle Chia as chief underwriting officer for Cyber in the Americas.

Based in New York, she assumes her new role with Axa XL on February 12, reporting to Americas chief underwriting officer Donna Nadeau.

Ms Nadeau said: “Cyberthreats are continuously evolving and as a leading cyber insurance market, we need to evolve too.

“That’s why we’re excited to welcome Michelle to the team. Her expertise and insights will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of our cyber business and the innovative development of cyber-risk management solutions that can really make a difference for our clients.”

She added: “Michelle joins a very talented and dynamic cyber team. Under the leadership and underwriting management of Jeremy Gittler, our head of Cyber and Technology in the Americas, our cyber insurance business has continued to grow.

“As we plan for continued growth and expansion of our products and services to help our clients boost their cyber-resilience, Michelle will be instrumental in ensuring Axa XL’s and our clients’ assets and interests are safeguarded while we all continue to navigate through the changing and challenging complexities of cyber-risks.”

In her new role, the company said, Ms Chia will oversee Axa XL’s cyber business growth strategy in the Americas, risk aggregation, expanding product and service offerings as well as liaising with cyber expertise and resources across Axa entities, including Axa’s global cyber chief underwriting officer, Anthony Dagostino.

Ms Chia joins Axa XL from Zurich North America where she most recently served as head of professional liability and cyber.