Axon launches crisis management unit with trio of Nationwide-backed programs

Program administrator Axon Underwriting Services has launched a new crisis management platform led by two recent hires from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty after securing capacity for three new programs from Nationwide E&S.

The new unit will be led by senior vice presidents Alex Pittignano and Marcos Garcia Norris who joined Axon back in January, according to their LinkedIn profiles. The pair both previously worked for Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS).

Pittignano had served AGCS as an underwriting executive within the company’s crisis management team, while Norris held the position of crisis management regional practice group leader in North America.

Before AGCS, Pittignano worked for Starr Companies, Rockhill Underwriting Management and AIG, while Norris’ career includes time spent with Novae, Starr Companies, AIG and Marsh.

The new programs cover contaminated product recall, consumer goods product recall, and restaurant foodborne illness and contamination.

They are being underwritten on the new Axon Crisis Management platform, and can provide capacity of up to $10mn for risks, Axon said in a statement.

All three products will be underwritten by E&S and specialty outfits of Nationwide.

Axon was formed in 2013 and operates as a program administrator and MGA platform. It has underwriting partnerships with companies such as Navigators, AIG, WR Berkley and also serves as a Lloyd’s coverholder.

Among its other programs are a storage tank liability product backed by RLI and an AIG-underwritten environmental and general liabilities exposures offering.

“Axon’s move into crisis management insurance with new specialised products reflects our strategic approach to meet the needs of a product recall market eager for reliable and innovative underwriting solutions” said Randy Hampton, Axon Underwriting executive vice president and partner.

“We are very excited to be offering this through our newly formed Nationwide partnership,” Hampton added.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have Alex and Marcos, two highly respected industry experts, join the Axon team to help drive our continued expansion into new specialty insurance markets” said Doug Gahagan, a partner at Axon Underwriting.

“I can’t imagine a better way to launch our new crisis management division than with these two leading the charge,” Gahagan added.