Axa has appointed Shali Vasudeva as chief operating officer (COO), Axa UK and Ireland.

Vasudeva will assume the newly-created role on 1 March 2019.

Vasudeva will be responsible for delivering more robust operational stability across the firm, as well as lead a Transformation Office that will be focused on simplifying the firm’s operations.

She joins Axa from Hiscox, where she led group-wide change. Additionally, she spent seven years with Prudential, three of which she worked as executive director, operations.

As COO of AXA UK and Ireland, Vasudeva will join the management committee of the firm, and report directly to Axa UK and Ireland CEO Claudio Gienal.

Speaking of the appointment Gienal said: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Shali into the newly-created role of chief operating officer. Axa is focused on delivering the best possible service to its customers, underpinned by operational excellence. Her track record speaks for itself and I, along with the rest of the Management Committee, look forward to working with her and taking up future challenges for the benefit of our customers and members.”