’His extensive market knowledge and experience will be a huge asset to the business,’ says chief executive

Axa Commercial has appointed Mike Crane as its new SME and specialty director.

Crane will succeed Deepak Soni, who left the insurer in August 2024 to join specialty MGA Optio.

Crane, who left Allianz in April 2024, will join Axa in January 2025.

He said: “I’m excited to be joining Axa. The team have an excellent reputation in the broker market and a strong team culture that I’m very much looking forward to being part of.

“The business has ambitious plans for the future and I’m keen to help enable these to be successfully achieved.”

Experience

Crane joins Axa following an eight-year stint as managing director of LV= Broker, which is Allianz’s personal lines broking business.

He stepped down from the role just before the business was rebranded to Allianz in May 2024.

Crane’s career has also seen him hold commercial leadership roles at NIG and Aviva, while he is also the current chair at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

Jon Walker, chief executive at Axa Commercial, said: “Crane’s extensive market knowledge and experience will be a huge asset to the business at a time when we are focusing on improving the customer journey and integrating new technology to meet their needs and demands.”