Axa UK and Ireland announces new c-suite appointment

Axa UK and Ireland has appointed Sally Pain as its new chief communications, customer, brand and sustainability officer.

The role consolidates the insurer’s public relations, public affairs, internal communications, customer and brand functions and sustainability strategy.

Pain will officially join the business on 13 January 2025. She will sit on the management committee and report directly to Tara Foley, chief executive at Axa UK and Ireland.

Foley said: “I’m looking forward to working with Pain on further enhancing the impact and consistency of communications, brand and customer messaging, as well as developing a greater focus on our sustainability agenda.”

Pain added: “I’m excited to work with the talented team at Axa UK and Ireland to further enhance the brand, build stronger connections with colleagues and customers and drive sustainability initiatives that create lasting value.

“Axa’s commitment to making a positive impact resonates with me and I’m looking forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing journey of growth and innovation.”

Experience

Pain brings over 20 years of experience in communications to her new role, having held positions at both group and divisional levels across the health, insurance and consumer goods sectors.

Her career has seen her lead public relations, corporate communications, public affairs and internal communications functions.

Most recently, she served as chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at Bupa, where she also oversaw brand, customer and sustainability initiatives.

Foley said: “Pain’s wealth of experience and innovative approach will help us achieve more cut-through both internally and externally, which, in turn, means we can better support our colleagues and customers.”