AXA Commercial Lines has appointed managers for its eight branches throughout the UK.

The branch managers are: John Maguire (Glasgow), Andy Halstead (Leeds), Simon Hodgin (Manchester), Barrie King (Birmingham), Martyn Grime (Ipswich), Ed Pugh (Reading), Linda Courtney (London) and Darrell Sansom (Bolton).

“The branch network is essential to our future trading and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to fill these positions quickly with individuals who have detailed market knowledge and an understanding of what brokers need," said AXA Commercial Lines chief executive Amanda Blanc in a statement.

"The branch manager role will be essential to ensure that we are close to our customers and develop our teams to make AXA easier to do business with.”

Blanc added that all of the management and front-line trading positions within the branches are now filled and the branches are now fully ready to trade in their local markets.

"I am determined that AXA becomes the insurer that builds strong local relationships with brokers supported by empowered local decision making,” she said.