AXA XL has appointed Simon Schäfer as country manager for Austria and central and south-eastern Europe (CSEE).
Schäfer will be based in Vienna and oversee the insurer’s operations in Austria and across the CSEE region.
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He will take over from Eduard Billovits, who is set to concentrate fully on customer and sales responsibilities in his position as head of distribution Austria & CSEE.
Schäfer currently serves as head of risk consulting Northern Europe at AXA XL.
He joined the AXA Group in 2015 before moving to AXA XL in 2020.
Over the course of his time with AXA, he has held a number of senior roles spanning finance, transformation and risk consulting.
These included serving as head of finance for Germany.
According to the company, Schäfer brings experience in the insurance sector, including managing multicultural teams, overseeing complex transformation programmes, and working with clients and brokers across the region.
The role, due to take effect on 1 July 2026, is subject to regulatory approval.
Commenting on Schäfer’s appointment, AXA XL Northern Europe regional manager Kai Kuklinski said: “With his background in finance, transformation and risk consulting, combined with his proven track record in senior leadership positions, he will further strengthen our market position in Austria and CSEE as we strive for sustainable growth.”
