Axis Capital has strengthened its global markets unit with the appointment of Lewis Edwards as its first head of delegated strategy, the Bermudian-based company said.

The newly-created role took effect yesterday. Based in London, Mr Edwards will guide the buildout of Axis’s portfolio of coverholder and managing general agent business. He reports to Sara Farrup, head of global markets, and joins her leadership team.

“Lewis brings stellar market experience and knowledge of the speciality delegated space as well as a deep understanding of how to succeed in a competitive trading environment,” Ms Farrup said. Strengthening the delegated portfolio through binding authorities with “carefully-selected and trusted broker, coverholder and MGA partnerships” will be central to Axis’s long-term growth, she added.

“I’m so pleased Lewis will be part of our leadership team as we continue to advance towards our goal of being the lead speciality carrier and delivering solutions that our distribution partners and customers need.”

Mr Edwards spent the past seven years at Liberty Specialty Markets, most recently as head of the delegated authority practice. His earlier career includes senior underwriting and management roles at Allianz corporate and speciality, as well as positions at AIG and Heath Lambert.