Axa appoints finance head

With responsiblity for finance and strategy across Axa, Mr Waseem will also be a member of the Axa's executive committee.

His role is intended to provide a strong governance and control structure that supports the company's business priorities of customer centricity, profitability and innovation. Mr Waseem's main objective will be to ensure the strong focus of the finance function in supporting the business' development.

Joining Axa in 2006, Mr Waseem has headed up the UK mergers and acquisitions team for two years. He led the acquisitions of Swiftcover and the brokers that form Bluefin Insurance Group, working closely with Axa chief executive, Philippe Maso.

Prior to joining Axa, Mr Waseem worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers for nine years where he qualified as a chartered accountant and specialised in financial services transactions.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Waseem said: "At Axa Insurance, we have a finance function that is very much at the heart of the organisation, adding significant value to the business-facing teams, both in an advisory and practical capacity.

"I am very keen that we are even more closely involved in shaping business decisions and finding the right solutions to ensure we manage risk, whilst improving our profitability and safeguarding our customers' experience. I'm looking forward to the challenge."