AXA XL appoints Chris Caponigro as head of reinsurance capital management

AXA XL has announced the appointment of Chris Caponigro (pictured above) as head of reinsurance capital management, where he will focus on expanding the company’s product offering and broadening its investor base.

Caponigro will be tasked with further developing the infrastructure and strategy for AXA XL’s alternative reinsurance capital and insurance-linked securities (ILS) operations. He will report to Guy Van Hecke, head of ceded reinsurance, and will be based in the US.

AXA XL has been active in the alternative capital market for over a decade, using its expertise to tap into third-party capital and ILS opportunities.

Van Hecke noted that the demand for ILS from third-party capital remains strong, and Caponigro’s appointment aligns with AXA XL’s strategy to enhance its ceding capacity through alternative sources.

“We have an existing and established team in this space, and our expertise and offering will be further strengthened by Chris’ appointment. Chris brings a wealth of industry experience, and his technical risk capabilities and financial structuring skillset will be key in achieving our strategic goals,” Van Hecke said.

With over 20 years in the reinsurance and insurance industry, Caponigro’s background in technical risk and financial structuring will support the company’s strategic objectives. His previous roles include positions at Platinum Underwriters and Everest Re, as well as serving as Global Head of ILS at AXIS Capital, where he oversaw private capital investor relationships.

In addition to this leadership change, AXA XL’s Americas insurance division appointed Kathleen Ziegler as chief operations officer (COO) in July.

Ziegler’s new role will involve overseeing day-to-day operations, including workplace management, underwriting operations, reporting, premium operations, and underwriting governance teams for the Americas region.

She will also lead transformation and technology initiatives to drive efficiency and innovation across the division. Ziegler succeeds Jerome Itty, who is transitioning to a role within AXA Group in Europe.

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