AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, a Bermuda-based global specialty insurer and reinsurer, has announced the appointment of Jim Rhyner as Head of North America Financial Lines, Programs, and Canada, effective 31 August 2026.
Rhyner succeeds John Van Decker, who will retire following a career spanning more than four decades, including 15 years with AXIS.
Rhyner will report to Mike McKenna, Head of North America, and will be based at the company’s Short Hills, NJ, office.
In his new role, he will further develop and execute the strategy for the businesses under his remit, supporting the continued growth and diversification of AXIS’ insurance portfolio. He will also lead the team in deepening relationships with brokers, clients and other key stakeholders, while advancing innovation and delivering differentiated specialty solutions.
Rhyner brings more than 35 years of experience in financial lines, underwriting, and broking.
He joins AXIS from The Hartford, where he most recently served as Global Head of Financial Lines.
Prior to that, he served as President, Financial Lines at Navigators, and also held senior leadership roles at Chubb, Avreco, and AIG.
McKenna commented, “Jim is a well-respected leader within our industry with an established reputation for leading high-performing teams.
“He brings deep knowledge and perspective in the global financial lines space and his leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate how we service our partners and customers. His extensive experience and demonstrated expertise make him a natural successor to John Van Decker – and we are grateful to John for all he has contributed to AXIS over his accomplished career with our company and in the industry.”
The post AXIS hires Jim Rhyner to lead its NA Financial Lines, Programs, & Canada businesses appeared first on ReinsuranceNe.ws.
