Milena Russo is an underwriter at AXA XL, specializing in war, terrorism, political violence, and active assailant risks. AXA XL is the property and casualty and specialty division of AXA. Milena brings both underwriting and innovation experience to her work. She has built her career across underwriting, innovation, and specialty lines. She is an emerging leader in the specialty insurance space. Milena spoke at a past InsurTechNY event.
Milena has spent nearly seven years at AXA XL. She joined as a graduate trainee and has grown through the company. She worked as a Construction Ecosystem Associate early in her career. She then served as Innovation Manager for the Americas for two years. In that role she worked on insurance innovation initiatives across the region.
Milena moved into her current underwriting role in 2024. She now underwrites a specialized book of political violence and related risks. That combination of innovation and underwriting experience gives her a well-rounded view of the business.
Earlier, Milena was an underwriting intern at AXIS Capital. There she gained exposure to primary and excess casualty, claims, and actuarial work. That early experience built her foundation in risk analysis.
Milena earned a degree in Risk Management and Insurance from St. John’s University. She was a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, the insurance industry fraternity.
