AXA appoints Tara Foley as new CEO of AXA UK & Ireland

20 July 2023

Posted in People

  • Tara Foley will take up the role of AXA UK & Ireland Chief Executive Officer on 1 September 
  • Tara joined AXA UK & Ireland as Chief Executive Officer of AXA UK Retail Insurance in November 2020
  • Tara succeeds Claudio Gienal who has been appointed Chief Transformation Officer for AXA European Markets and Health

AXA has today announced the appointment of Tara Foley as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AXA UK & Ireland.

Tara will officially take on her new role on 1 September after almost three years as CEO of AXA UK Retail Insurance.

In her new role, Tara will be responsible for implementing AXA UK & Ireland's 2024 to 2026 Strategy, as well as leading the executive team and having oversight of the UK and Ireland business units.

During Tara’s time as CEO of AXA UK Retail Insurance, she has overseen a number of key projects, including the launch of digital disrupter Moja and the delivery of a comprehensive transformation programme which has led to further improvements for customers and employees.

Prior to joining AXA, Tara was at Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) for 12 years, most recently as Managing Director of the Bank of Scotland. At LBG, Tara held a range of positions throughout the group both in banking and insurance with a particular focus on customer experience and innovation. Prior to LBG Tara held roles at Deutsche Bank and Accenture.

Tara succeeds Claudio Gienal who has been appointed Chief Transformation Officer for AXA European Markets and Health. In his new position he will be delivering on a key strand of AXA’s strategic, operational and financial ambition by driving business and technological transformation. He will also oversee and drive the global Business Communities, bringing together experts from across AXA to share best practice and develop approaches and assets. Claudio will be taking on this role on 1 September and will remain with AXA UK & Ireland until this time to support a smooth transition.

We are delighted to welcome Tara as our new CEO of AXA UK & Ireland. Tara is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader who has successfully transformed the AXA Retail business for customers and colleagues alike. With her exceptional leadership skills and understanding of the insurance landscape combined with her diverse customer-centric experience, we are confident that AXA UK & Ireland will continue to thrive and grow under her guidance.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Claudio for his excellent leadership of AXA UK & Ireland. Over the past five years he has overseen the company’s largest transformation programme, built a competitive business and delivered significantly improved performance. We wish him all the best for his new role in AXA European Markets and Health.

Mark Pain, Chairman at AXA UK
Mark Pain, Chairman, AXA UK and Ireland

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take up the role of AXA UK & Ireland CEO and lead this outstanding team of talented and dedicated people. Together, we will build upon our many successes to deliver on the next stage of our strategy, continue to grow the business and provide the best products and services for our customers and clients. 

Tara Foley, CEO at AXA UK & Ireland
Headshot of Tara Foley, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Retail

Tara Foley’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval.