Axa has appointed Antoine Gosset-Grainville as Chairman, and renewed Thomas Buberl as CEO.

Mr Gosset-Grainville, who co-founded law firm BDGS Associés in 2013 after heading France’s state-owned financial institution Caisse des Dépôts, replaces Denis Duverne who has been Chairman since 2016.

The new Chairman was formerly Deputy Director of the Cabinet of the French PM, managing France’s investment portfolio, as well as Deputy General Secretary of committees of the European Union, adviser for Economic and Industry Affairs and partner at law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel, where he managed the Brussels office.

“I am very honoured by the confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me,” Mr Gosset-Grainville said, adding that management “remains perfectly equipped to face an uncertain environment and to prepare the group for its long-term challenges”.

New board members Gérald Harlin and Rachel Picard were also appointed, while existing directors Rachel Duan and André François-Poncet will serve new terms and Clotilde Delbos will serve until the 2024 Shareholders’ Meeting.

“I am extremely enthusiastic about starting this new mandate and very optimistic about the future of the group, which has once again demonstrated its strength,” Mr Buberl said. “All Axa teams are mobilised with me to successfully implement the Driving Progress 2023 strategic plan.”