Axa UK’s marketing and broker development director announces retirement

Axa UK marketing and broker development director Alasdair Stewart has decided to retire after 15 years with the insurer.

Stewart joined Axa UK in 2011 as marketing and communication director, holding the role for four years before stepping up to his latest position.

Prior to joining the insurer, he served as head of corporate development at the Chartered Insurance Institute for two years.

Announcing his retirement on LinkedIn, Stewart said: ”I remember my first week at Axa in May 2011. On the way to meet the boss, so we could travel together to Manchester for Biba, a bird released what can only be described as a torrent of poo all over my shiny new suit.

”Quickly realising that 1/2 litre of sparkling water and a packet of paper handkerchiefs were unlikely to clean up the mess, I had to warn the other passengers on the 07.54 to Basingstoke that I needed to strip off and change suits. Disaster averted.

”So 15 years and many suits later, I have decided it’s now time to sail off into the sunset. Today is my last day of full time, honest endeavour and retirement awaits.”

Relationships built

Stewart added that since entering the industry, he has ”met so many great people, learnt so much along the way and hope that somewhere I have added some value to the various companies that I’ve worked for”.

He continued: ”In the last month I’ve had some lovely lunches and dinners with colleagues past and present, broker partners and suppliers who at some point became friends rather than just business relationships. Hopefully over the summer I will get the chance to finish that little farewell tour.

“Immediate plans look like two months chilling and playing golf before I head to Greece in September to look for a house. Depending on how that all goes, I will look to set up there on a more permanent basis.

“In the meantime, many, many thanks to the team at Axa for all their support over the years. I wish you every success in the future.”