All change at Axa

Blimey. Senior management changes are like buses at Axa. There are none for ages and then two come along at once. First, Peter Hubbard suddenly announces he is leaving Axa to “pursue other interests”, then Mark Cliff, markets managing director, declares he’s off to join Fortis in a new role as managing director writes Charlie Thomas, reporter, Professional Broking .

There’s a fair amount of mystery surrounding the exact reasons for Hubbard’s quick departure, with many in the industry believing the insurance giant was less than impressed with 2007’s results. Complaints from brokers about service levels and in the words of one broking partner, “the ongoing telephone crisis” can’t have helped either. The fact remains that Hubbard was the longest-lasting chief executive among his peers and doubtless some will be sad to see him go.

Cliff’s departure was preceded