AXA XL Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

AXA XL has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, insurance operations, reinsurance, regional management, financial oversight, digital architecture, and human resources.

Focused on delivering robust risk management solutions, AXA XL provides comprehensive commercial insurance and reinsurance services to businesses operating across diverse global markets.

Leadership Roles at AXA XL

  • Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Buse
  • Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America) - Dennis Kane
  • Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America) - Gregory Schiffer
  • Chief Executive Officer (Americas) - Lucy Pilko
  • Chief Financial Officer - Rainer Schoellhammer
  • Chief Operating Officer (Americas) - Kathleen Ziegler
  • Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources - Marguerite Barrett
  • Principal Architect & Global Chief Technology Officer, Data & Digital Architecture Technology Office - Sheela Sonone
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Administration and Global Chief Claims Officer - Rachel Alt-Simmons
  • Axa Xl Chief of Staff (Americas) - Rebecca Frisch
  • Christopher Buse - Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Buse, the Chief Executive Officer at AXA XL, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Buse manages the alignment of commercial insurance and reinsurance portfolios to ensure long-term stability for global clients. By overseeing the integration of risk management services, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a competitive edge in complex market environments. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence. Christopher Buse monitors market trends to adjust underwriting strategies, ensuring the company remains a leader in specialty insurance solutions. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the enterprise. Ultimately, Buse fosters a culture of innovation that supports the delivery of high-value risk consulting services to businesses worldwide.
    Christopher Buse

    Dennis Kane - Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America)

    Dennis Kane, the Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America) at AXA XL, manages all commercial insurance operations across the North American market. Kane drives the expansion of specialty insurance solutions by identifying emerging risks and developing tailored coverage products. Overseeing regional underwriting teams, the Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America) ensures consistent service delivery and client satisfaction. This role requires close coordination with global leadership to maintain consistency in risk appetite and underwriting standards. Dennis Kane optimizes the regional distribution network to capture market share in competitive sectors. By analyzing regional economic shifts, the Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America) adapts product offerings to meet the evolving needs of North American businesses. Kane secures operational efficiency through the implementation of streamlined insurance processes.

    Gregory Schiffer - Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America)

    Gregory Schiffer, the Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America) at AXA XL, directs the reinsurance strategy for the North American region. Schiffer manages complex risk transfer solutions, providing essential capacity to primary insurers. Overseeing the reinsurance underwriting desk, the Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America) evaluates catastrophic risk exposure to protect the company balance sheet. This leadership position involves frequent interaction with global reinsurance partners to optimize capital allocation. Gregory Schiffer drives the development of innovative reinsurance products that address modern business challenges. By monitoring regional market volatility, the Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America) ensures that risk management strategies remain robust and effective. Schiffer maintains strong relationships with brokers and clients to sustain long-term growth in the reinsurance sector.
    Gregory Schiffer

    Lucy Pilko - Chief Executive Officer (Americas)

    Lucy Pilko, the Chief Executive Officer (Americas) at AXA XL, oversees all business activities across the Americas region. Pilko directs the integration of insurance and risk consulting services to provide a unified value proposition to regional clients. Managing the operational footprint, the Chief Executive Officer (Americas) ensures that regional teams remain aligned with global corporate objectives. This role involves driving growth initiatives and expanding the market presence of the company in key sectors. Lucy Pilko coordinates with other regional leaders to share best practices and improve service delivery. By analyzing regional market dynamics, the Chief Executive Officer (Americas) adapts business strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Pilko maintains a focus on operational efficiency and client-centric solutions to strengthen the competitive position of the firm throughout the Americas.

    Rainer Schoellhammer - Chief Financial Officer

    Rainer Schoellhammer, the Chief Financial Officer at AXA XL, manages the financial health and capital structure of the organization. Schoellhammer directs all accounting, financial planning, and analysis functions to ensure accurate reporting and fiscal discipline. Overseeing the investment strategy, the Chief Financial Officer monitors the performance of assets to support the underwriting capacity of the company. This leadership role involves providing critical financial insights to the Board to guide strategic decision-making. Rainer Schoellhammer drives cost-optimization initiatives across all departments to improve profitability. By maintaining rigorous internal controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with global financial regulations. Schoellhammer secures the long-term financial stability of the firm through prudent capital management and effective risk assessment of the company financial portfolio.
    Rainer Schoellhammer

    Kathleen Ziegler - Chief Operating Officer (Americas)

    Kathleen Ziegler, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) at AXA XL, manages the internal operations and service delivery processes across the Americas. Ziegler directs the implementation of operational workflows that support the underwriting and claims teams. Overseeing the efficiency of regional business functions, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet client demands. This leadership role involves coordinating with technology and human resources to streamline cross-functional collaboration. Kathleen Ziegler drives process improvement initiatives to reduce operational friction and enhance service quality. By monitoring performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) identifies areas for operational refinement. Ziegler maintains a focus on operational excellence to support the growth and stability of the company business model throughout the Americas region.
    Kathleen Ziegler

    Marguerite Barrett - Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources

    Marguerite Barrett, the Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources at AXA XL, manages the operational aspects of the global human resources function. Barrett directs the implementation of talent management systems, compensation structures, and employee development programs. Overseeing the HR service delivery model, the Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the strategic goals of the company. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to foster a high-performance culture. Marguerite Barrett drives the adoption of HR technology to improve the efficiency of recruitment and retention processes. By monitoring workforce analytics, the Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources identifies trends that impact organizational productivity. Barrett maintains a focus on operational excellence within the HR department to support the growth and development of the global talent pool.

    Sheela Sonone - Principal Architect & Global Chief Technology Officer, Data & Digital Architecture Technology Office

    Sheela Sonone, the Principal Architect & Global Chief Technology Officer, Data & Digital Architecture Technology Office at AXA XL, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation strategy. Sonone manages the development of scalable data platforms that support underwriting and claims processing. Overseeing the digital architecture team, the Principal Architect & Global Chief Technology Officer, Data & Digital Architecture Technology Office ensures that technology solutions align with business requirements. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to integrate advanced analytics into core insurance operations. Sheela Sonone drives the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. By architecting secure and robust systems, the Principal Architect & Global Chief Technology Officer, Data & Digital Architecture Technology Office protects the digital assets of the company. Sonone maintains a focus on innovation to keep the firm at the forefront of digital insurance.
    Sheela Sonone

    Rachel Alt-Simmons - Chief of Staff To the Chief Administration and Global Chief Claims Officer

    Rachel Alt-Simmons, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Administration and Global Chief Claims Officer at AXA XL, manages the strategic priorities and administrative functions for the claims and administration departments. Alt-Simmons directs the flow of information and coordinates key projects between the Chief Administration and Global Chief Claims Officer and other executive leaders. Overseeing the execution of administrative initiatives, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Administration and Global Chief Claims Officer ensures that departmental goals align with the broader corporate mission. This role involves facilitating communication and decision-making processes to improve organizational agility. Rachel Alt-Simmons monitors the progress of critical claims-related projects to ensure timely delivery. By managing the administrative agenda, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Administration and Global Chief Claims Officer supports the effective functioning of the global claims organization.

    Rebecca Frisch - Axa Xl Chief of Staff (Americas)

    Rebecca Frisch, the Axa Xl Chief of Staff (Americas) at AXA XL, manages the strategic operations and executive communications for the Americas leadership team. Frisch directs the coordination of regional initiatives and ensures that the Chief Executive Officer (Americas) remains informed on critical business developments. Overseeing the administrative support structure, the Axa Xl Chief of Staff (Americas) facilitates effective collaboration across regional departments. This role involves managing the regional project portfolio and tracking progress against strategic objectives. Rebecca Frisch drives the implementation of internal communication strategies to maintain alignment across the Americas. By managing the executive agenda, the Axa Xl Chief of Staff (Americas) optimizes the time and focus of regional leadership. Frisch supports the overall operational efficiency of the company by ensuring that regional priorities receive the necessary attention and resources.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AXA XL Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AXA XL?
    AXA XL is led by Christopher Buse (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dennis Kane (Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America)) and Gregory Schiffer (Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America)).
    Who is part of AXA XL’s executive team?
    The executive team of AXA XL includes leaders such as Christopher Buse (Chief Executive Officer), Dennis Kane (Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America)), Gregory Schiffer (Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AXA XL have?
    AXA XL has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AXA XL’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AXA XL includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Xl Insurance (North America), Chief Executive Officer, , Reinsurance (North America), Chief Executive Officer (Americas), Chief Financial Officer.