AXA XL has appointed Poonam Jivram (pictured) as head of motor underwriting, UK & Lloyd’s, effective April 1, the company has announced.
In her new role, Jivram will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic underwriting direction for the UK & Lloyd’s motor fleet insurance business, driving profitable growth, and strengthening relationships with brokers and clients. She will also lead the development of new products designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving motor industry, AXA XL said.
Jivram brings extensive experience in insurance and risk consulting to the role, according to the company. She began her career at Avis Rent a Car before joining the fleet services division of Kelly Group, where she spent nearly a decade. She subsequently joined insurtech firm Zego, where she established its risk consulting division. She joined AXA XL in 2024 and most recently served as practice group leader – motor in the UK.
Ben Kinsella, head of risk managed underwriting, UK & Lloyd’s at AXA XL, cited the rise of electric vehicles as a key driver behind the appointment.
“One of the major challenges facing the commercial motor fleet market is the growth in electric vehicles and the differing risk profile these vehicles pose,” Kinsella said. “Figures from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence calculated that global EV sales surpassed 20 million units in 2025, up from 17.3 million in 2024, with International Energy Agency figures predicting that the share of EVs in overall car sales is expected to exceed 40% in 2030.”
Kinsella added that the industry shift towards alternative and autonomous vehicles made specialist knowledge increasingly critical.
“Wider adoption of EVs, other alternative fuel vehicles, and autonomous vehicles in commercial motor fleets is now inevitable,” he said. “An insurer that not only understands this evolving risk landscape, but also knows how to manage it, is vital and more valuable than ever.”
Kinsella also highlighted Jivram’s specific background as central to the decision.
“Poonam’s knowledge of the motor market, combined with her expertise and experience in the risk consulting space, made her the ideal person for this role,” he said. “She is a great addition and will make a valuable contribution to the UK & Lloyd’s motor team and the wider retail business.”
The appointment comes against a backdrop of intensifying regulatory pressure on fleet operators. Registrations of electric light commercial vehicles climbed by 36.2% in 2025, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, though the sector still fell short of the government’s mandated 16% market share target for the year.
