AXA hires from Allianz and Jelf in regional restructure

AXA has hired new managers for its Ipswich and Reading branches as part of a regional restructure.

The insurer has also announced a successor to outgoing London commercial and Maidstone branch manager Sean Clark.

The hires are part of a restructure aimed at making sure AXA’s regional operations more closely match broker needs. The appointments follow two new regional schemes management hires in August.

Terri Driscoll-Cooper will take on the role of Ipswich branch manager early next year. Driscoll-Cooper joins AXA from rival insurer Allianz, where she was Chelmsford branch manager.

Darren Tanner will become Reading branch manager in mid-November. Tanner has been working as a markets and placements executive for Jelf.

Tanner replaces current Reading Gareth Hughes, who will relieve Clark of his duties as London commercial branch manager when he leaves AXA at the end of 2017. Hughes will continue to be Maidstone branch manager when he takes on the new responsibilities.

AXA regional commercial branch director for the south Linda Courtney said: “Brokers play an important role in our growth so it is vital we do what we can to meet their needs at a regional level.

“Terri and Darren are highly regarded in their markets and Gareth has a great knowledge of his local brokers and the key strategic relationships across the Maidstone and London Commercial branches.”

Courtney added: “I would like to welcome Terri and Darren to AXA and would thank Sean for all of his hard work at AXA and wish him the best for the future.”