AXA XL, the property and casualty specialty risk division of AXA, has appointed Debbie Durkan to the newly created role of Head of Private Equity and Business Development, UK & Lloyd’s, based in London, effective 1 October, 2026.
In her new role, Durkan will build the Private Equity practice, develop and promote the offering and position it as a significant part of AXA XL’s UK and Lloyd’s product suite.
She will also lead the business development efforts across some key growth initiatives.
Most recently, she formed part of the Bowring Marsh global team leading Business Development, before joining AXA XL in January 2025, leading distribution for global Energy Transition and connected risks.
Durkan is an industry veteran and has spent the majority of her career at major brokers. She started her career at Marsh, followed by Gallagher and JLT; she rejoined Marsh after the acquisition of JLT in April 2019.
In the past, she also headed Marsh PEMA Post Acquisition and Portfolio Management practice in the UK.
Elie Hanna, Chief Distribution Officer, UK & Lloyd’s, AXA XL, commented on the appointment, “Private equity markets have grown, and continue to do so, with assets under management projected to reach more than $18 trillion by 2027, up from $15 trillion in 2024. With Debbie’s appointment, we have a real opportunity to support and advance the risk management needs of more private equity clients.
“Debbie is a well-known and respected figure in the market and has worked with many Private equity clients throughout her career, she understands their businesses and can illustrate how our solutions can help them prosper, while reinforcing our position as a trusted, long-term partner. Debbie also has extensive sales and business development experience and is well positioned to work with our teams to support these initiatives.”
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