AXA XL middle market growth continues with key hire in the East and expansion West

New York - February 2, 2026

Ainsley Keating has joined AXA XL as Head of the East Region for General Industries, Mid-Market, Americas.

Reporting to Adele Smith, Head of General Industries and Excess Casualty—U.S. Mid-Market, Ms. Keating will be responsible for continuing to deepen the relationships that have fueled AXA XL’s successful middle market growth in the Northeast and help to execute the business’ broader growth strategy across the East region, including the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Ms. Keating comes from the broker side, having spent more than 10 years with Marsh in a variety of placement broking and leadership roles, most recently as Senior Vice President, Specialties Placement Leader.

“I’m confident Ainsley’s leadership, connectivity, and market insight will elevate our performance and help us achieve the ambitious goals we’ve set,” Ms. Smith said. “This is an exciting milestone, and I’m energized for what’s next.”

With Ms. Keating’s appointment, General Industries, Mid-Market is organized into three defined zones:

• East: Led by Ainsley Keating (New York)
• Central: Led by Zach Hauer (Chicago)
• West: Led by Chris Kelly (Los Angeles)

“Our new zone structure reflects how far we’ve come and where we’re headed,” she said. “With strong leaders in each region, we’re positioned to deliver consistency, speed, and greater value for our partners across the country.”

Ms. Smith added that AXA XL remains committed to its core principles: selectivity in broker appointments, a focus on relationships, product density, and speed of doing business.

Follow AXA XL on LinkedIn or check our Mid-Market website for more information on our suite capabilities.

ABOUT AXA XL

AXA XL provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com

ABOUT AXA XL INSURANCE

AXA XL Insurance offers property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance solutions to mid-sized companies through to large multinationals globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com