Head of Aerospace

Overview AXA XL’s Aerospace business unit is seeking a strategic, results-driven leader to serve as Head of Aerospace, Aviation & Space. This role combines executive underwriting leadership with portfolio strategy and cross-functional collaboration to drive profitability, growth, and risk discipline across aviation and space segments, including general aviation and niche markets. The ideal candidate will shape underwriting standards, lead a high-performing team, and build deep broker and client partnerships to advance AXA XL’s position as the premier aviation center of expertise.

What you’ll be doing

What Will Your Essential Responsibilities Include

• Set and execute the underwriting strategy for the aerospace portfolio, aligning with the Aerospace unit’s goals and AXA XL’s risk appetite.
• Own P&L responsibility for the aviation and space book, delivering profitable premium, rate adequacy, and loss ratio targets.
• Lead, coach, and develop a senior underwriting team; establish career paths, performance metrics, and succession planning.
• Oversee renewal management and new business production, ensuring high-quality risk selection and consistent application of underwriting standards.
• Build and deepen relationships with brokers and key clients; identify and establish new distribution channels and market opportunities.
• Collaborate with actuarial, claims, product, legal, and IT to shape risk pricing, product development, and policy language.
• Govern underwriting processes, internal controls, and compliance with regulatory and corporate standards.
• Drive risk mitigation and portfolio improvements through data analytics, scenario planning, and market intelligence.
• Represent AXA XL in industry forums, market discussions, and client events; promote AXA XL’s capabilities and thought leadership.
• Manage budget, resources, and performance reporting; continuously improve efficiency and effectiveness of the underwriting function.
  
  

This position will report to the CUO Specialty, Americas.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Extensive aerospace underwriting experience, with a track record of profitability and portfolio growth.
• Demonstrated leadership experience; proven ability to build, mentor, and retain a high-performing underwriting team.
• Deep knowledge of aviation and space risks, including general aviation and segments with diverse aircraft types and operations.
• Proven analytical, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to develop and communicate a clear underwriting vision and translate strategy into actionable plans.
• Robust broker and client relationship management abilities; skilled in dealing with complex stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data-driven decision making; familiarity with underwriting platforms and tools.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support market development and client engagement.
  
  

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional designations (e.g., CPCU, ARM, ARe) highly desirable.
  
  

Who we are

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com

What we offer

Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ , ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter
  
  

Learn more at Inclusion & Diversity at AXA XL | AXA XL. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.

We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.
  
  

For more information, please see Sustainability at AXA XL.

The U.S. base salary range for this position is USD 157,700-$292,900.

Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay.

At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers. For more details about AXA XL’s benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2026.