AXA XL has appointed Donnacha Smyth as its new global chief underwriting officer for casualty, effective November 3.

Currently head of casualty for the Americas, Smyth (pictured above) will relocate from Bermuda to Ireland in 2026 as part of his move into the global role.

Smyth will work with regional chief underwriting officers to drive profitable growth, ensure consistency across portfolios, and develop new casualty products. He will also oversee underwriter development, focusing on technical training, compliance, and underwriting standards.

Libby Benet, AXA XL ’s global chief underwriting officer, said Smyth played a key role in reshaping the company’s excess liability appetite and executing portfolio changes that supported consistent underwriting performance.

Smyth has more than

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