Axis Capital Holdings has promoted two senior team members within its global cyber and technology division.

Peter Smith has been named head of cyber North America. In his new role, he will lead underwriting strategy and help expand Axis's speciality cyber solutions across North America in partnership with retail and wholesale brokers.

“Pete’s expansive cyber underwriting acumen combined with his market knowledge and leadership are a great asset to our team and to Axis as we develop our cyber proposition and meet our ambitions to be a leader in our speciality markets,” said Lori Bailey, head of global cyber and technology.

Mr Smith joined Axis in 2020 after holding cyber-related roles at Swiss Re and Marsh, and most recently served as GCT regional underwriting manager and head of middle market strategy.

Also promoted is Tara Sapru, who takes on the role of GCT head of technical underwriting. She will lead the product management team and guide the company’s underwriting and portfolio strategy. Ms Sapru joined Axis in 2019 following a 13-year tenure at AIG and held roles at Sedgwick and De Vos.

“As a valued team-mate and leader within GCT, Tara’s vast cyber product knowledge will be pivotal in helping us achieve our goals as she steps into this new, elevated role,” said Ms Bailey. “These well-deserved promotions are testament to the calibre of talent in our team.”

The leadership changes coincide with a structural simplification within GCT. As a result, three senior roles have been eliminated, with Eric Seyfried, Glen Manjos and Simon Dejung set to depart the company. Axis’s wholesale cyber team will now report directly to Mr Smith as part of the integration into the North American unit.

“I extend deep appreciation to my colleagues for the exceptional contributions they have made in helping to steer GCT towards greater success and in enhancing our underwriting and portfolio strategies,” Ms Bailey added.