Neil Mercier returns to AXA to lead motor broking

Neil Mercier has returned to AXA as head of motor for its personal lines broker business.

Mercier will be responsible for AXA’s intermediated motor insurance pricing, underwriting and delivery.

He returns to AXA after three years with Direct Line where he was most recently head of underwriting for personal lines.

His appointment comes four months after Jon Byford left his role as head of motor personal lines intermediary to join ERS as head of retail underwriting.

Commenting on Mercier’s appointment, Laurent Matras, managing director of personal intermediary at AXA, said: “Neil’s track record speaks for itself. It was important to me personally and to the successful delivery of our development underwriter strategy, that we secure the right individual to lead the motor part of our business.

“In securing the services of Neil we have done that and he brings the necessary skills, experience and gravitas to manage what is an increasingly complicated sector of the market. This is a real heavyweight signing for us and I very much look forward to Neil joining the team and applying all those qualities to what is already a strong team.”

Mercier added: “Following a great three years at Direct Line I am returning to a company very close to my heart and I am really looking forward to working with brokers once again on the challenges of the dynamic motor market.”