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All change at Axa

Charlie Thomas, Reporter, Professional Broking

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 by the usual “I want a new challenge” line, though it’s intriguing that Axa has no plans to put someone into his now vacant position. Philippe Maso y Guell Rivet has immediately stepped into Hubbard’s shoes and has already commanded a reputation as a “fixer”, designed to steer Axa back into a pattern of organic growth. Critics have suggested that Hubbard’s relaxed attitude towards the organic growth of Axa and his desire to concentrate on developing Swiftcover and Venture Preference instead has slowed down the insurer. Intriguingly Mr. Hubbard has yet to comment himself on the announcement, although Nicolas Moreau, Axa UK group chief executive said: “After seven years at the helm Peter now wishes to move on.” Rivet will presumably now work on winning back the trust of Axa’s disillusioned brokers.

But what’s it got to do with van insurance?

An amusing email dropped into PB’s inbox this week, revealing that men take just as long preparing to go out as women, up until they get married anyway.

According to Budget Van Insurance, almost 40% of single British men admitting that they use moisturiser and 30% start off their daily facial care routine with cleansing. As soon as they say ‘I do’ however, just 26% moisturise regularly and only 8% cleanse their faces.

Men are also dominating in the kitchen now too, with 85% of young men (16 to 24 years old) and 77% of fathers and grandfathers claiming to be a good cook. Apparently 78% of 25 to 34-year-old men claim to be good at ironing too. All highly interesting stuff, but where’s the link to van insurance? Answer: carefully hidden in the headline “Male vanity”.

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