Axa UK snaps up new retail claims director from NFU Mutual

Axa UK has appointed NFU Mutual’s former head of claims change, risk and insight Dean Witherington as its new retail claims director, effective from April 2022.

In this position, Witherington will be responsible for overseeing Axa UK’s claims and technical operations, as well as counter fraud, across its retail business.

Axa UK retail chief operating officer Anna Fleming said: “I’m looking forward to Dean joining us and working with him to build on all the great work that’s been done to improve the overall claims experience and ensure we provide the best outcomes for our retail customers.

“Dean has proven experience in driving innovation within claims and he will be at the forefront of Axa retail’s overall customer first transformation.”

Witherington has also previously worked at insurer Zurich, where he held a series of senior claims roles across operations, management information and change.

Spearheading transformation

Hiring Witherington is part of a series of changes to Axa UK’s claims function. The insurer hopes its tweaks will ensure that its UK retail and commercial businesses both have clear, strategic ownership of end to end customer journeys.

Witherington added: “I am looking forward to joining Axa UK retail and building on the progress that has already been made across its claims and customer support functions.

“There are huge opportunities for innovation within claims amid growing customer expectations and evolving technologies.

“Axa UK is seizing the opportunity to embed innovation into its claims processes and I am very excited to be a part of this.”