Axis Insurance, a subsidiary of Axis Capital Holdings, has appointed James Hamilton to the newly-created role of global head of accident & health (A&H), effective immediately.

Hamilton joined Axis in 2010 as executive vice president and CEO, North America Insurance for the company’s A&H unit.

The Chicago-based role will see Hamilton lead Axis Insurance’s A&H business in the US and international markets. He will report to Axis Insurance CEO Peter Wilson.

Before joining Axis, Hamilton spent a decade at Chubb, where he was responsible for the firm’s North American A&H business. He was previously VP of CNA’s Group Accident Insurance and Reinsurance product lines in the US and Canada. 

Commenting on the appointment, Wilson said: “Jay has built a strong reputation within the A&H insurance market and is a trusted partner to many of our most strategic A&H brokers and clients,”

He added: “His appointment to global head of A&H insurance reaffirms our commitment to ensuring we remain a valued partner to our clients and brokers in the A&H insurance market. We look forward to the leadership contributions Jay will make in this new role.”