AXA begins search for Middle replacement

AXA has confirmed that commercial lines boss Anthony Middle is leaving the insurer to become UK strategic partnerships director at Aviva.

In a statement AXA said: "Ant has been a much valued member of our management team and in the last two years has significantly contributed towards re-aligning our commercial lines business to reflect our strategy of profitable growth, customer centricity and innovation. We wish him every success in both his new role and in his future career."

AXA Insurance chief executive Philippe Maso said: “This role is a very central one for AXA Insurance and it is important that we continue to build on the progress we have made in the past two years," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for us to reflect on where we are, the progress we have made and the future leadership for this part of our business. I therefore plan to take my time to review a number of different options as we begin the search for the right person to take this business forward.

“We are fortunate to have a strong and established management team who will ensure we continue to provide you with optimum support on a day to day basis.

"In the meantime, I intend to involve myself closely in this part of the business and the management team will report directly to me until a successor is found."