AXIS Re, the reinsurance business segment of AXIS Capital, has promoted Michael Leahey to head of agriculture reinsurance, effective 1 July 2020.

In his new role, Leahey will be responsible for setting the strategy, optimising the firm’s portfolio and leading the underwriting of the agriculture business.

He will continue to be based in Zurich and will report to Ann Haugh, president global markets for AXIS Re.

Leahey has worked at AXIS Re since 2017, most recently as a senior property underwriter.

From August 2019 to January 2020, he was interim head of property EMEA LatAm. Prior to his work at AXIS, Leahey held various senior underwriting property and casualty positions in the industry.

Haugh said: “Michael brings considerable underwriting experience to this role and has a proven track record of success. I am excited for the potential of our agriculture reinsurance business under Michael’s leadership, and congratulate him for this well-deserved promotion.”