Axis Capital Holdings Ltd, the Bermudian-based global specialty underwriter, has promoted Edward Ashby to the newly created position of chief commercial officer.

In addition to continuing his role as the global head of Distribution for insurance, the company said, Mr Ashby’s expanded responsibilities will include elevating Axis’s business development strategies, enhancing its market visibility and the global reach of its franchise, and helping to support and drive key strategic initiatives of the CEO’s Office.

“Under Ed’s direction, we have significantly transformed and enhanced our global distribution strategy while deepening and expanding our customer relationships, which has been a critical enabler to record production within our insurance business and the growth of our global platform,” said Vince Tizzio, president and CEO of Axis.

“Ed’s leadership will be integral as we continue to elevate and grow the Axis franchise, unlock new revenue opportunities and provide even further value to our customers.”

Mr Ashby joined Axis in 2014 as head of US Distribution for its insurance business, and his role expanded to global head of Distribution for insurance in 2015.