AXA Partners, the life insurance business unit of AXA Distributors, has appointed Gary Hirschkron as its new president.

Mr Hirschkron has held a leadership position in AXA Partners since 2006, serving as managing director. He joined AXA Equitable in 2002 as senior vice president and actuary in life marketing and product development. Prior to joining AXA Equitable, he was president of Management Compensation Group Northwest.

Jamie Shepherdson, executive vice president of AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company and president of AXA distributors, said: In his new leadership role, I am confident Gary will leverage our innovative protection products, underwriting expertise, sales talent, and advance case design support to drive AXA Partners toward our goal of becoming a leader in third-party life distribution.