AXA XL Names New Heads of Ocean Marine and Bonds in Americas

Mikki Williams and Doug Schmude promoted to lead key insurance segments

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Insurance company AXA's subsidiary AXA XL has promoted Mikki Williams and Doug Schmude to lead its Ocean Marine and Commercial Bonds businesses in the Americas Specialty unit. Williams, based in Seattle, becomes head of Ocean Marine, while Schmude, located in Chicago, has been promoted to head of Commercial Bonds.

Why it matters

The internal appointments reflect AXA XL's strategy of developing in-house talent to drive expansion and client service in its Americas Specialty insurance operations. The promotions of Williams and Schmude highlight the company's focus on leveraging sector expertise to strengthen its offerings in the marine and bonds segments.

The details

Williams will manage the Ocean Marine portfolio throughout the Americas, after previously working on the insurer's marine underwriting and risk management activities. Schmude's remit includes broadening AXA XL's bonds capabilities and reinforcing relationships with clients in that segment. The moves come as AXA XL also recently named Matthew Stitham as Chief Underwriting Officer of casualty for the Americas.

  • On February 19, 2026, AXA XL announced the promotions of Mikki Williams and Doug Schmude.

The players

Mikki Williams

Becomes head of Ocean Marine at AXA XL, with responsibility for cargo, hull and P&I, and marine liabilities across the Americas region.

Doug Schmude

Promoted to head of Commercial Bonds at AXA XL, with a focus on broadening the company's bonds capabilities and reinforcing client relationships.

Sylvain Bouteillé

Chief Underwriting Officer of AXA XL Americas Specialty, who praised the talent and expertise of Williams and Schmude.

Donna Nadeau

Head of AXA XL Americas large commercial insurance, who said Williams and Schmude have been invaluable members of the team.

Matthew Stitham

Recently named Chief Underwriting Officer of casualty for the Americas at AXA XL.

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What they’re saying

“Mikki and Doug exemplify the talent, dedication and expertise that are at the core of AXA XL's success. Their promotions reflect their outstanding contributions and our confidence in their ability to lead these vital segments into the future.”

— Sylvain Bouteillé, Chief Underwriting Officer, AXA XL Americas Specialty (yahoo.com)

“Both Mikki and Doug have been invaluable members of our team for many years. Their knowledge and leadership will undoubtedly support our continued growth and our commitment to delivering exceptional value to clients.”

— Donna Nadeau, Head of AXA XL Americas large commercial insurance (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

The promotions of Mikki Williams and Doug Schmude demonstrate AXA XL's commitment to developing internal talent and leveraging deep industry expertise to drive growth and enhance client service in the marine and bonds insurance segments across the Americas.