A strategic vision for specialty

Lauren Kent, president of international reinsurance at Axis Re, discusses the company's focus on client-centric solutions, growth opportunities in specialty lines, and the role of AI in shaping the future of reinsurance.

Tell us about your role at Axis Re and your background in the industry.

As president of international reinsurance, I work in close collaboration with the reinsurance executive team to shape our strategic direction and proactively plan for the years ahead. We continually evaluate the market landscape to ensure our offerings meet the evolving needs of our clients, brokers and shareholders.

In this role, I oversee our specialty business, which includes global marine, international accident and health (A&H), global agriculture and international casualty operations – covering motor, professional liability, general liability, cyber and our Lloyd's platform.

My career has been diverse and global, spanning key insurance hubs from New York and London to Zurich, where I’ve been based for the past decade. My background is rooted in the casualty sector, with exposure to a mix of specialty lines, including marine and agriculture.

My professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of market dynamics, complex regulatory environments and the interconnected nature of global risks, uniquely positioning me to lead Axis Re through the challenges and opportunities of today’s dynamic reinsurance landscape.

What are the key areas of strategic focus for Axis Re?

Axis Re is in an exciting phase of growth and evolution. While we have always prioritised client-focused solutions, we have sharpened our vision for 2024 and beyond, aiming to deliver tailored solutions that address our clients' specific needs through innovative structures, new coverages and enhanced portfolio management.

Our strategic focus leverages our leadership in specialty lines while maintaining a strong casualty portfolio and our market-leading position in the UK, particularly in the motor space. We seek to grow alongside clients who share our commitment to disciplined underwriting and long-term profitability.

How do you view the current reinsurance market and where do you see the most promising opportunities?

While the reinsurance market demonstrates robust capacity across various segments, we believe true potential lies in areas where we can establish leadership and provide meaningful support, rather than merely chasing trends.

Our focus is on specialty lines such as marine, A&H and agriculture, where we have deep expertise and a proven track record. By homing in on these areas, we aim to provide substantial capacity and cultivate deeper, more sustainable relationships with clients and brokers. This approach allows us to create value that aligns with our strategic goals and effectively meets our clients' evolving needs. We believe the strength, stability and diversity of our portfolio will support us and our clients through market cycles while providing value to our shareholders.

How is Axis Re approaching AI?

AI is a key focus at Axis, and I’m excited about our work in this area. We are exploring how AI can enhance our underwriting processes, improve decision-making and allow our teams to concentrate on core responsibilities rather than administrative tasks.

For instance, AI can help us leverage the vast amounts of data collected during underwriting and pricing, enabling more informed decisions and better predictions of market cycles. Our goal is to empower underwriters to make sound judgements and build strong relationships with clients and brokers, using AI as a supportive tool.

While we are still in the early stages of implementation, we anticipate significant progress in the next few years, making this an exciting area to watch.