’I’m looking forward to getting to know the teams and working closely together to build on the great foundations already in place,’ says appointee
Axa UK Commercial has appointed Caroline Dunn as its new chief underwriting officer.
Dunn, who was most recently chief underwriting officer at Zurich UK, will join Axa on 1 July 2026.
At Zurich, she led underwriting strategy, with a focus on technical discipline, portfolio performance and sustainable growth.
Prior to Zurich, she spent seven years at Lloyd’s of London in senior underwriting roles, with responsibility for underwriting oversight and performance across the Lloyd’s market business.
“I’m really excited to be joining Axa at such a pivotal time,” Dunn said.
“Axa has an impressive underwriting culture and a clear direction of travel. I’m looking forward to getting to know the teams and working closely together to build on the great foundations already in place.
”I’m passionate about underwriting excellence and transformation and I’m excited about what we can achieve together for our customers and partners.”
Speaking about her departure from Zurich, Drazen Jaksic, chief executive at Zurich UK, said: “Since joining us from Lloyd’s in 2021, she has strengthened our underwriting discipline, supported technical excellence and helped teams deliver more customer‑focused outcomes.
”Dunn has also been a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as Executive Sponsor of the Cultural Awareness Network and the Social Ambassadors Group and, most recently, as a board member of Zurich Community Trust. We thank Dunn for her leadership and contribution to the business and wish her every success in her next chapter.”
Retirement
Dunn’s appointment at Axa comes following the retirement of David Ovenden, who has been in the post since December 2021.
Read: Axa XL hires new head of international property for UK and Lloyd’s
Read: Axa XL appoints QBE director as retail CUO
Explore more people moves content here, or discover other news stories here
He will stay with the business until the summer to ensure a smooth transition.
Jon Walker, chief executive of Axa UK Commercial, said: ”I am grateful to Ovenden for agreeing to stay on in the business until the summer, when we’ll formally mark his retirement.”
Speaking about Dunn, he added: ”Her technical capability, strategic judgement, people focus and commitment to underwriting excellence will be a huge asset to our business as we continue to evolve, transform and deliver profitable growth.
”I am delighted to welcome her to Axa and look forward to the significant contribution I know she will make.”
His career began in 2019, when he joined a local north London newspaper after graduating from the University of Sheffield with a first-class honours degree in journalism.
He took up the position of deputy news editor at Insurance Times in March 2023, before being promoted to his current role in May 2024.View full Profile
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
No comments yet