AXA XL has announced the promotion of Maria Duhart to chief underwriting officer for its specialty niche insurance business in the Americas. Duhart previously served as head of AXA XL’s commercial bonds business.

In her new role, Duhart will report to Donna Nadeau, chief underwriting officer for the Americas. Duhart will be responsible for AXA XL’s collective specialty niche insurance lines in the Americas, including political risk; trade credit and commercial bonds; war, terrorism and political violence; fine art and specie; leisure and entertainment; and structured risk solutions.

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“Since joining us in 2017, Maria has led our commercial bond business, impressively growing this business and building a talented underwriting team,” Nadeau said. “With more than 20 years of insurance, business strategy and finance experience, Maria is well-prepared for her new responsibilities, already having a strong grasp of our specialty lines businesses and the respect of our brokers, reinsurers and colleagues.”

Before joining AXA XL, Duhart served as head of commercial surety at Nationwide. She has also served as regional surety manager and assistant vice president – surety and senior surety underwriting specialist at Chubb.

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