Brokers wait on Axa’s next move after Hardy’s shock departure

The sudden departure of Steve Hardy – a founding director of Swiftcover – from the CEO role of Axa Personal Lines has sparked concern among brokers as to what the insurer will do next. With Mr Hardy reportedly being placed on gardening leave for six months, speculation has also flowed as to the reasons behind his departure.

In the main, Mr Hardy, who joined Axa when Swiftcover was bought in 2007, had been seen as having a positive impact in the role. However, concerns in the market had surfaced