Profile
Adele Smith is head of general industries and excess casualty, US mid-market at AXA XL.
From early on, she was guided by a powerful lesson from her parents: if you work hard, you’ll get to where you want to be. That work ethic, reinforced by a series of strong bosses who motivated her to push harder, has been a defining thread throughout her journey. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she has created them – taking on new challenges, stepping into leadership roles, and continuously stretching herself and those around her.
In her current role at AXA XL, Smith operates at the center of one of the industry’s most competitive landscapes. One of her biggest challenges is attracting and retaining the right talent as her team expands West and deepens relationships with broker partners across the region. At the same time, she is focused on ensuring that AXA XL stands out clearly in a crowded marketplace.
She says, “I need to make sure AXA XL can differentiate itself against its competitors. It’s not a challenge I can’t overcome, but we’ve got to put the time in.”
Professionally, Smith’s strongest qualities are her ability to listen and her accessibility. In a complex, fast-moving sector, being a good listener is a strategic advantage. Her team and partners know she will hear, understand the nuances of their needs, and respond thoughtfully. That approachability builds trust, encouraging people to bring forward ideas and concerns that ultimately strengthen the business.
Smith’s leadership style is anchored in positivity and optimism. She is realistic about the fact that not every day is easy but believes that how a leader shows up in difficult moments can define a team’s success. “As we face challenges we need to overcome, a positive approach, I think, helps motivate my colleagues to succeed,” she adds.
As a woman in insurance, Smith has spent much of her career as the only woman in the room. In the earlier days, that often meant holding back until she was invited to speak. Today, she takes the floor with confidence, a shift that reflects both personal growth and broader change across the industry. Being named an Elite Woman 2026 by IBA amplifies her sense of responsibility: she is passionate about serving as an example and actively inspiring other women to step forward.
What truly distinguishes Smith is her commitment “almost to a fault” to her team’s development, prioritizing their growth, confidence, and long-term success. Looking ahead, she is determined to help more women secure seats at the table by elevating them into senior roles.
She says, “We need to instill in women leaders that they are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.”
Ultimately, Smith aspires to build a lasting “Adele” brand in the industry, synonymous with attracting and nurturing talent, listening intently, leading with positivity, and relentlessly pursuing what is best for clients and colleagues alike.
225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281
832 499 6597
adele.smith@axaxl.com
linkedin.com/in/adele-smith-9113a95
axaxl.com
Adele Smith
Head of General Industries and Excess Casualty, US Mid-Market
AXA XL
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2005–2011
2011–2013
2013–2014
2014–2023
Present
Senior Casualty Underwriter at Crum & Forster
2005–2011
Senior Sales Underwriter at The Hartford
2011–2013
Senior Underwriter at Markel
2013–2014
Vice President and Commercial Officer at CNA
2014–2023
Head of General Industries and Excess Casualty, US Mid-Market at AXA XL since 2023
Present
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
She continually assesses strategy, aligning talent, technology, and capital with Fortegra’s future vision. By helping people understand the value of their work, Taylor drives engagement and fosters a culture where everyone sees themselves as a builder of the company’s future.
With respect to her impact at Fortegra, she adds, “I enjoy taking on operational challenges that enable our underwriting, actuarial, and finance professionals to focus on their core priorities, ultimately delivering meaningful value to Fortegra's partners and stakeholders.”
Three themes anchor her approach to both role and career:
commitment to continuous learning
focus on serving the enterprise and adding tangible value
alignment with companies whose values mirror her own
Recognized by Insurance Business as an Elite Woman 2026, Taylor is aware of the importance of visibility and representation. In a sector where senior female role models remain limited, she has chosen to see barriers as an invitation to chart her own course.
Through mentorship, active participation in networks of women C-suite leaders, and initiatives like Fortegra’s Network of Women (N.O.W.) program, she is helping build clearer pathways, stronger support systems, and broader possibilities for the next generation.
“If my experience can help someone navigate their path with more confidence or clarity, then recognition like this becomes much more meaningful,” she says. “My goal is to help create a cycle where every generation of leaders lifts the next one higher.”
“My goal is to help create a cycle where every generation of leaders lifts the next one higher”
Abbie Taylor,
Fortegra
“This type of work energizes me because, like many of us at Fortegra, I’m a business builder at heart”
Abbie Taylor,
Fortegra