Ovenden currently serves as managing director of WTW’s pricing product claims and underwriting practice, which has grown under his leadership in the past few years. Prior to this, he had stints with Aviva and RSA, leading the insurance giants’ underwriting businesses in the UK, Canada, and across Europe.
In his new role, Ovenden will be tasked with delivering AXA UK’s pricing and underwriting programmes, focusing on the continued development of the insurer’s underwriting capabilities.
He will commence his position in December, reporting to AXA Commercial’s chief executive officer Jon Walker. Ovenden will also sit on the commercial executive committee.
“It is a pleasure to welcome David Ovenden to the AXA Commercial business,” said Walker. “His experience, knowledge, and leadership skills are invaluable as we drive forward our vision and focus to further strengthen our underwriting capabilities.”
Ovenden, meanwhile, expressed excitement over his new role, saying: “I am extremely excited to be taking a key role in the UK commercial insurance market with the AXA team. AXA Commercial’s vision and direction is aligned with my own and I can see an extraordinary fit.”
Walker also thanked Williams, who will be leaving the company after more than four decades of service to pursue non-executive opportunities.
“I would like to thank David Williams for his contribution to the business over the last 41 years,” he said. “He has been a true asset in many areas.”
