Bermudian-based Axa XL has appointed Kathleen Ziegler as chief operating officer for its Americas’ insurance business.

She will report to Lucy Pilko, Axa XL’s CEO, Americas, who said: “Kathleen has an impressive track record at top insurance companies driving operational excellence, transforming large teams and business units, and fostering innovation.

“With our recent restructuring to better serve our clients, Kathleen's expertise will be particularly valuable to us. Kathleen will play a crucial role in this transformation by providing strategic leadership and operational expertise to ensure that our client-focused approach is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of our business.

“With her guidance, we’ll continue to look for ways to enhance our operational efficiency, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

The company said Ms Ziegler will assume responsibility for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of Axa XL’s Americas Insurance operations, including leading its workplace, middle office (underwriting operations), reporting & premium operations and underwriting governance teams.

She will also be responsible for leading successful transformation and technology initiatives across the region.

Ms Ziegler will fill the role held by Jerome Itty, who is leaving his assignment with Axa XL this month to take an Axa Group assignment in Europe.