AXA Health appoints Heather Smith as chief executive

To lead next stage of strategy delivery

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 1 min read

AXA Health has announced the appointment of Heather Smith as its chief executive, effective from January next year.

Taking over from Matt Vardy, interim chief executive since Tracy Garrad departed the business in March this year, Smith will lead the insurer through "the next stage of its strategy delivery." She will join from Allianz where she is currently managing director for retail, providing personal lines insurance for customers across all major distribution lines. Previously, Smith was managing director of retail at LV= and prior to this she was its chief customer officer. Smith also spent 10 years across both the life and general insurance sectors for Aviva, with roles in marketing and sa...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Insurer

Holloway Friendly completes Wiltshire Friendly transfer

Holloway Friendly completes Wiltshire Friendly transfer

No changes to policies

Cameron Roberts
clock 01 October 2026 • 1 min read
Zurich launches LifeVault platform

Zurich launches LifeVault platform

Organising wills and documents

Jaskeet Briah
clock 30 September 2026 • 2 min read
Vitality promotes Kirsty Leece to group chief risk officer

Vitality promotes Kirsty Leece to group chief risk officer

Supporting growth and innovation across all markets

Jaskeet Briah
clock 29 September 2026 • 2 min read