AXIS Capital Holdings has launched AXIS Capacity Solutions, a new business unit focused on developing and supporting structured and multi-line portfolio capacity deals on both a facilitated and delegated basis.
The new business will be led by David Murie (pictured), who takes on the newly created role of head of AXIS Capacity Solutions, reporting to group chief underwriting officer Dan Draper from the company’s London office.
Murie, a chartered accountant with more than 15 years’ experience, has held a series of senior posts at AXIS, including global head of underwriting governance & execution and head of business performance for AXIS International Insurance. He also worked in managerial roles at Aviva.
The company said the creation of AXIS Capacity Solutions is designed to support distribution partners and respond to a growing trend in the global specialty insurance market. Multi-line facilities, which package several classes of business into a single programme, are expanding at a faster pace than the sector overall, with a rising share of business now being placed through these structures. AXIS expects this trend to continue.
The unit will work closely with strategic partners to develop and source multi-line portfolio structures at scale, using the company’s global underwriting platform and Lloyd’s licences. In London and other specialty hubs, multi-line structures are gaining traction as carriers look for ways to deepen broker relationships, access new premium streams and manage portfolio volatility. For brokers, the approach can streamline placement and provide a single access point for multiple risk classes.
The launch comes as AXIS makes a series of senior appointments in its global markets division aimed at sharpening underwriting performance across its specialty lines. Sarah Stephen has been promoted to head of liability, taking charge of the general liability and international casualty MGA teams in London. She reports to Dax Gulmohamed, who has expanded his remit to oversee all global markets liability alongside his existing roles in professional lines and as CEO of AXIS Specialty Europe SE.
