After almost three years as CEO of Axa UK Retail Insurance, Tara Foley is set to become chief executive officer (CEO) of Axa UK and Ireland.
Foley succeeds Claudio Gienal who has been appointed chief transformation officer for Axa European Markets and Health.
Foley will officially take on her new role on 1 September and will be responsible for implementing Axa UK and Ireland’s 2024 to 2026 Strategy, as well as leading the executive team and having oversight of the UK and Ireland business units.
“During Tara’s time as CEO of Axa UK Retail Insurance, she has overseen a number of key projects, including the launch of digital disrupter Moja and the delivery of a comprehensive transformation programme which has led to further improvements for customers and employees,” Axa said.
In his new position Gienal will be delivering on a key strand of Axa’s strategic, operational and financial ambition by driving business and technological transformation.
He will also oversee and drive the global business communities, bringing together experts from across Axa to share best practice and develop approaches and assets.
Gienal will be taking on his new role on 1 September and will remain with Axa UK and Ireland until that time to support a smooth transition, the company said.
Prior to joining Axa, Foley was at Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) for 12 years, most recently as managing director of the Bank of Scotland.
At LBG, she held a range of positions throughout the group both in banking and insurance with a particular focus on customer experience and innovation.
Prior to LBG, Foley held roles at Deutsche Bank and Accenture.
Mark Pain, chairman of Axa UK said: “We are delighted to welcome Tara as our new CEO of Axa UK and Ireland.
“Tara is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader who has successfully transformed the Axa retail business for customers and colleagues alike.
“With her exceptional leadership skills and understanding of the insurance landscape combined with her diverse customer-centric experience, we are confident that Axa UK and Ireland will continue to thrive and grow under her guidance,” he said.
Foley said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take up the role of Axa UK and Ireland CEO and lead this outstanding team of talented and dedicated people.
“Together, we will build upon our many successes to deliver on the next stage of our strategy, continue to grow the business and provide the best products and services for our customers and clients.”
Pain also thanked Gienal for his leadership.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Claudio for his excellent leadership of Axa UK and Ireland,” Pain said.
“Over the past five years he has overseen the company’s largest transformation programme, built a competitive business and delivered significantly improved performance.
“We wish him all the best for his new role in Axa European Markets and Health.”
