AXA Commercial Lines has appointed Joanne Howliston as regional director for the UK’s North region, effective immediately.

Prior to her promotion, she was branch manager for Leeds and Newcastle.

In her new role, Howliston will have accountability for the direction and performance of the six branches that make up the North region. She will also liaise closely with Alan Scott, regional director for the South, to ensure a coordinated approach to trading and distribution relationships across the UK.

She will now report to Nick Watson, director of distribution & trading, commercial lines intermediary.

Watson, director of distribution & trading CLI, AXA Insurance said: “Jo has a strong knowledge of the regional broker marketplace and a long history of managing trading operations across the regions. Her experience within AXA and previously with other insurers like Zurich gives her a rounded knowledge of how best to deliver mutual value for brokers and the carrier.”