Best from the web...Groupama recruits

Groupama recruitsGroupama Insurances has completed its key account management team for the English regions with two appointments. Rob Fisher has been made key account manager for the mid East, and Steve Vachre has been appointed key account manager for the North West. .(First published on 22 June)

Xchanging moveOutsourcing service provider Xchanging is to consolidate its London operations into one site in Leadenhall Street. The new office will replace Xchanging's three offices.(First published on 22 June)

CII grads increasedThe number of candidates graduating with a CII Diploma (DipCII) and Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII) is the highest for six examination sessions, the CII reported. In the April exam session, 213 candidates completed the advanced diploma, up from 116 candidates in October 2001. Similarly, diploma completions rose to 275, up from 109 six sessions ago. (First published on 22 June)

AXA rating changesAM Best announced a number of rating changes for AXA subsidiaries. It withdrew the financial strength rating of AXA Corporate Solutions Assurance (ACSA), France, at the request of the company, and assigned a NR-4 (company request) rating. AM Best affirmed the A- (excellent) financial strength rating of the AXA Re Group. The outlook for the AXA Re ratings is stable.(First published on 22 June)

HCC surety plansHCC Insurance Holdings has formed HCC Surety Group (HCCS) as a platform for expansion of its surety business in the US.(First published on 22 June)

New softwareTwo new information management products have been launched for the London market, announced companies Intech Network & Integration and Hummingbird. Intech said the new solutions would provide support for FSA compliance, improve business efficiency, and aid collaborative working within the insurance industry.