Former Navigators underwriter joins rival Axa XL

Former Navigators Group Inc. underwriter Andrew Dicob has joined rival Axa XL, a division of Axa SA, as leader for the U.S. Northeast region on the excess casualty insurance team, Axa XL announced Tuesday.

He replaces Lou Forte, who has been appointed executive underwriter for excess casualty insurance, North America for Axa XL.

Mr. Dicob will be based in New York and report to Donnacha Smyth, president of global excess casualty, the statement said.

Previously, Mr. Dicob was vice president of commercial insurance underwriting at Navigators Management Co. and managed the insurer’s New York and New Jersey book of umbrella and excess casualty accounts within the Northeast region, the statement said.

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. agreed to buy Navigators last year.