AXA Ireland chief executive Mr Gerard Healy is moving to Britain to take up a position as group director of strategic development for Sun Life and Provincial Holdings (SLPH), which is part of AXA. Mr Healy will be succeeded by Mr John O'Neill, who becomes interim chief executive.

Mr Healy will assume the newly-created position on December 1st and will focus on the business and technological changes facing the financial services industry. The post will include responsibility for the further development of SLPH's e-commerce capabilities. Mr Healy has been with the group since 1974 and has been chief executive for Ireland since 1986. He will remain on the board of AXA Ireland and will join the board of AXA insurance.