AXA XL appoints Simon Schäfer as Country Manager Austria & CSEE

Vienna - June 24, 2026

AXA XL has appointed Simon Schäfer as Country Manager Austria & CSEE, subject to regulatory approval, effective July 1, 2026.

Based in Vienna, he will lead AXA XL’s insurance operations in Austria and across Central & Southeastern Europe (CSEE). He succeeds Eduard Billovits, who will become Head of Distribution Austria & CSEE, focusing fully on client and distribution activities to support AXA XL’s growth ambitions in the region.

Mr Schäfer is currently Head of Risk Consulting, Northern Europe at AXA XL. He joined AXA Group in 2015 and moved to AXA XL in 2020. During his career, he has held several senior leadership positions in finance, transformation and risk consulting, including Head of Finance, Germany. He brings broad experience in leading multicultural teams, managing complex transformation programmes, and working closely with clients and brokers across the region.

Commenting on the appointment, Kai Kuklinski, Regional Manager, Northern Europe at AXA XL, said: “For three decades, AXA XL has been a trusted partner in Austria and CSEE. As the region has grown in strategic and economic importance, we have continued to strengthen our local expertise and capabilities to meet increasingly complex client needs. Today, we are well positioned to deliver innovative insurance solutions that support growth and resilience across the market.”

“Simon has strong leadership capabilities and a proven track record among our clients and brokers across the region. He is exceptionally well placed to build on our strong position in Austria and CSEE and to help drive the next phase of our growth. I also want to thank Eduard for his outstanding leadership and the strong foundation he has built. We are delighted that he will continue to support our clients and teams in his new role.”