Our Commitments

Our vision about Sustainability involves striking a long-term balance between environmental, social and economic concerns.

The rise of a small mutual insurer from Normandy

AXA’s origins can be traced back to a small mutual insurer from Normandy: Ancienne Mutuelle de Rouen, created in the early 19th century and specialized in property and casualty insurance.

Claude Bébéar joins 
Ancienne Mutuelle de Rouen 
as Deputy Director. 

Belbeuf new headquarters are inaugurated, against a backdrop of widespread of social unrest in France (Mai 1968).

Claude Bébéar becomes CEO of Ancienne Mutuelle at the age of 40.

Ancienne Mutuelle changes its name to “Mutuelles Unies”. 

In the post-war period, the insurance industry is struggling. The creation of the French social security system in 1945 deprives mutual insurers of a large part of their business by providing workplace accident and illness cover for workers. However, carefully led by its manager André Sahut d’Izarn, Ancienne Mutuelle emerges from this period in quite a strong position. It even welcomes on board several small regional mutual insurers.  

In this environment, the young Claude Bébéar joins the company “a bit by chance” in 1958. Sahut d’Izarn, looking for a future successor, adopts him as his protégé and trains him up on the business’ specific demands. 

1968

The inauguration of the new headquarters in Belbeuf

22,000 square meters of extremely modern offices, with construction costs representing almost 10% of the company’s assets! A crazy project, but the stakes are high: Ancienne Mutuelle’s new headquarters in Belbeuf must make it possible to break away from the image of a “small provincial mutual” and empower its employees to dream.

In 2018, after 43 years at this historic site, AXA moves to Isneauville, a few miles away, with offices that are…extremely modern!

How AXA became a multinational

1975 
Claude Bébéar eventually takes the company’s helm in 1975. He is 40 years old, with a modern vision for insurance and already the firm belief that to be sustainable, it is essential to become international and anticipate societal changes…

1975

The bold vision to become a leader

In France, after 25 years in opposition, a left-wing government takes power in 1981. This brings the looming possibility of major nationalization programs targeting private insurance companies. 
In the 1980s, after various acquisitions in France, Ancienne Mutuelle de Rouen  changed its name to Les Mutuelles Unies and embarked on a mission to bring people together around a shared vision.  
The AXA name was created. It was short and simple, legible in every language and appeared at the top of alphabetical lists. 
The concept behind the name took shape at an exceptional seminar held in the Ténéré desert in Niger, led by Françoise Colloc’h, an influential figure in the company from her arrival in 1981.  

“Mutuelles Unies” acquires Drouot, which immediately gives it a nationwide presence in France. 

The AXA name, which can be read in all languages, is launched.

The Group holds its first “major” seminar, bringing together 86 executives in Niger’s Ténéré Desert.

Compagnie du Midi is acquired, AXA is now listed on the stock market.

The Group takes its first international steps, moving into the UK, Netherlands and Germany.

As an influential figure in the company upon her arrival in 1981, Françoise Colloc’h would serve in several strategic positions to Claude Bébéar, joining the management board in 2000 as director of human resources, brand and communication.    

A strategic contributor at the founding moments of the AXA brand, Françoise Colloc’h played a key role in devising the Ténéré desert seminar and then in choosing the new name and creating the AXA logo. 

It was Françoise Colloc’h who devised the graphic identity that is now recognised all over the world. The intention was to reflect the brand’s dynamic drive, modernity and international universality. The logo has changed very little since its creation and appears timeless.

Françoise Colloc'h

From 1982 to 1989, three successive acquisitions make AXA the No. 2 insurancecompany in France behind UAP.

However, in 1986, the saying “three’s a crowd” proves right as disputes start to flare up between Drouot, Mutuelles Unies and Présence, as each of the Group’s components looks to take center stage. To bring everyone on board for the strategy, Claude Bébéar and Françoise Colloc’h take all the executives off to the Ténéré Desert. This shared experience paves the way for a truly united group and support for one single name: AXA.

AXA, a world leader for insurance

The early 90s are marked by three main events: the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War and a major economic recession. This challenging period also opens opportunities for those who know how to capitalize on them. 

A majority interest is acquired in the US life insurance firm Equitable.

AXA Atout Coeur (Hearts in Action), AXA’s employee volunteering program, is created. 

The “Ambitions 2001” strategic plan is launched. Objective: to be the world number 1 by 2001.

The Group takes its first steps in Asia, acquiring an interest in the Australian group National Mutual and its Hong Kong-based subsidiary.

AXA merges with UAP to become France’s number 1 insurer and considerably strengthens its presence in Europe.

Founded in 1991 by Claude Bébéar, AXA Atout Coeur (known as “Hearts in Action” in English) reflects a deep conviction that companies can and must play an active role in the community. Above and beyond their purpose and core business, companies must make a contribution to society by serving the interests of all, especially the most vulnerable.  Claude Bébéar brought his vision to life by setting up this charity. 

Since its inception, the charity has given all staff members the opportunity to serve others, while getting involved in a cause that is important to them, and thus contributing to a fairer and more sustainable world. 

Today, AXA Hearts in Action is present in all the geographical regions where the Group operates, and has carried out over 30,000 volunteering actions, with more than 950 solidarity initiatives throughout the world and 251 partner charities.

AXA Hearts in Action

In 1991, AXA acquires the US firm Equitable. With this acquisition, AXA establishes itself as a leading international group.
The second key milestone from this decade takes place five years later. To widespread surprise, AXA “absorbs” UAP, which is twice its size. This deal creates France’s number 1 and the world’s number 2 insurer. 
AXA follows this with a series of acquisitions, buying out the Japanese company Nippon Dantai and taking over Guardian Royal Exchange, enabling it to strengthen its presence in 15 countries and move into the health segment through its subsidiary PPP Healthcare. The Group continues to invest in health then in research for collective progress by protecting what is most essential for people: their health.
At the dawn of the new millennium, AXA becomes a global leader. More than ever, its success is built around a shared culture.

Claude Bébéar

“A shared culture is essential for developing a shared economic adventure.”

Putting Safeguards in place to protect AXA from successive crisis  

When Henri de Castries took over the reins of AXA in 2000, the company faced a series of crises: the bursting of the dot-com bubble, the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the Eurozone crisis, earthquakes in Japan, and so on. Henri de Castries focused on strengthening the organization, in particular, by reinforcing its risk control strategy, in order to weather the storm.

Henri de Castries takes over from Claude Bébéar.

The Swiss firm Winterthur is acquired. The quality of the integration process highlights AXA’s expertise in this area. 

AXA is the number 1 global insurance brand in the Interbrand rankings.

At COP 21, AXA is the first major insurance group to announce its divestment from coal.

In this volatile environment, AXA remains convinced of the importance of its long-term commitments to its customers and society in general. In line with this spirit, AXA launches the AXA Research Fund to improve the understanding and prevention of major risks around the world. The AXA Research Fund further enhances the wide range of initiatives in place across the Group, which is committed to acting on what counts for communities. Created out of the belief that science has a key role to play in meeting society’s major challenges, AXA sets out its commitment to help drive collective progress by supporting research projects focused on health, environment and socio-economics.

The AXA Research Fund, a global scientific philanthropy initiative, was set up in 2008, under the direction of its then-CEO, Henri de Castries. Its mission was clear from the outset: accelerate scientific progress to better address the major risks facing our planet. Through its unique strategy for action, the Fund supports and disseminates innovative research on health, the climate and socio economics, and facilitates exchange between the insurance industry and the academic world. 

AXA Research Fund

Insurance at the forefront to face new risks

Thomas Buberl took the helm at AXA in September 2016.  
As the first non-French CEO, he embarked on an ambitious transformation, by streamlining the company's activities, refocusing its strategy and expanding into growth areas such as health insurance and personal protection.
In 2018, with the aquizition of the XL Group,  AXA strengthens its position in corporate insurance and complex risk management. Through this acquisition, along with the IPO of the US subsidiary AXA Equitable Holdings, the Group redefined its business portfolio, making AXA the world's leading provider of property and casualty insurance for business customers.

Thomas Buberl and Denis Duverne take over from Henri de Castries.

With the acquisition of the XL Group, AXA becomes the world’s n°1 commercial P&C. insurer. 

AXA builds on its robust growth in its target segments and key markets, while maintaining its strong commitment to combat global warming.

Deployment of the “KNOW YOU CAN” brand signature to highlight the company’s new vision. AXA and Liverpool Football Club announce their new partnership.

Launch of the "Driving Progress" strategic plan. AXA sets out its purpose: “Act for human progress by protecting what matters”.

AXA launches its “AXA for progress index” to monitor its ESG engagements.

The “Unlock the Future” strategic plan is launched under the banner of climate leadership, investing in technology and operational excellence.

In 2020, the Group sets out its vision to "Act for Human Progress by Protecting What Matters". Thomas Buberl thus made human progress the central focus of the 'Driving Progress' strategic plan and integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into strategic decision-making. 

With new and interrelated risks emerging, the 'Unlock the Future' roadmap was developed to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. 

To mitigate these risks, Thomas Buberl expanded AXA's operations in climate and cyber insurance for businesses and emphasized the importance of collaboration between private and public stakeholders to develop effective solutions. 

Thomas Buberl

“Our mission is to protect what matters, today and for future generations.”

In 2021, AXA launches its “AXA for progress index” to monitor its ESG engagements. 
 
This index, built around 7 commitments, was designed to measure the progress of AXA’s sustainability strategy and to reinforce its threefold impact for the insurer, the investor, and the exemplary company. 
 
These commitments, monitored through the AXA for Progress Index, are inspired by AXA’s purpose to “Act for human progress by protecting what matters” and aligned with its “Driving Progress 2023” strategic plan.

AXA for Progress Index

Launched in 2024, AXA's "Unlock the Future" strategic plan focuses on growing and strengthening core businesses while ensuring rigorous execution. The plan aims to enhance organic growth and operational excellence across all sectors, including Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits. It sets ambitious financial objectives for 2024-2026, emphasizing a disciplined approach to strategy implementation.

Unlock the Future

AXA’s incredible adventure was born out of the dedication of a handful of men and women, led by Claude Bébéar, whose dream was to transform a small mutual insurer from Normandy into a world leader for insurance.

AXA’s adventure

Discover our publications

Discover the major periods of AXA's adventure

Since our inception in 1985, inspired by the vision of Claude Bébéar, we have continually reinvented insurance. Our 40th anniversary celebrates this bold spirit across the world, where each story, individual or collective, pushes the boundaries of insurance. Our adventure is far from over... It continues to be built every day, thanks to AXA's employees committed to protecting what matters.

Offering equal opportunities to everyone.

Prioritising  inclusion and diversity

pdf document

AXA's Women in Insurance initiative: Unleashing the power of women

AXA's Women in Insurance Initiative

A specific initiative, Women in Insurance, has been launched in September 2016 globally to reach to the immense women market segment for insurance, offering value-added solutions, with a strong focus on prevention and well-being.

People and culture

The skills, motivation, and purpose-driven mindset allow us to work for human progress and protect what matters most to our customers.

Inclusion and diversity

AXA is reinventing its vision of philanthropy with the creation of the AXA Foundation for Human Progress.

AXA Foundation for Human Progress

Science

Nature

Solidarity, inclusion and education

Art, culture and heritage

Acting with different communities of actors for positive change for all, we are mobilized around four pillars of action that address the challenges of our society: science, nature, solidarity, inclusion, education, and art, culture and heritage. 
Discover our latest actions, commitments, and their impact on Human Progress.

The AXA Foundation for Human Progress becomes Lead Partner of France’s National Manufactures to preserve, transmit and promote French savoir-faire.

New partnership to support French Decorative Craftsmanship

The AXA Foundation for Human Progress becomes Lead Partner of The World Monument Watch, a program dedicated to the protection of the most endangered cultural heritage sites worldwide.  

New global partnership with the World Monuments Fund

AXA is proud to announce the launch of Unlock Education, an ambitious program in partnership with Ashoka, a global NGO leader in social innovation. This initiative, spanning from 2025 to 2027, aims to rethink education to better address societal challenges such as polarization and social fragmentation.

Education: A Key Driver of Social Cohesion and Living Together

The AXA Foundation for Human Progress is launching a bold new program with a €10 million commitment over three years. The initiative aims to strengthen prevention, early detection, support, and long-term recovery for children at risk. In its first year, the program will focus on France, Spain, and Colombia.

Tackling violence against children: a silent emergency

Repair today, prepare for tomorrow

About Us

Act for Human Progress by protecting what matters

Our vision and purpose

New risks and new vulnerabilities are emerging creating an uncertain future for each and everyone of us. In this new world of interconnected and unpredictable risks, the need for more protection becomes an even more important mission.  

axa_manifesto_2023_va.pdf

PDF Document

AXA Manifesto - Why should the future be a risk?

AXA Manifesto

At AXA, we believe we are at a defining moment for our industry.   

As a world player, we have the means and the ambition to recast our role, acting for individuals, economies and society’s progress. 

Now is the time to infuse our iconic brand signature “Know You Can” with an even greater sense of inclusion and ability to reinforce our collective destiny, to further express our shared optimism in the future, the belief that progress can and must benefit all.   

To do so, AXA is asking a simple yet provocative question: Why should the future be a risk?   
By reinforcing our ability to anticipate and identify risks and to push further the boundaries of insurance notably by designing new prevention services. We can help people, businesses and society regain control over the future and make life safer, fairer and more inclusive for as many people as possible. 

If life is full of risks, at AXA we believe the future shouldn’t be one of them.  

"Why should the future be a risk?" | AXA

As one of the largest global insurers, our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

Protection has always been at the core of our business, helping individuals, businesses and societies to thrive. And AXA has always been a leader, an innovator, an entrepreneurial company, fostering progress in all its dimensions. Our purpose also links back to the Group's roots. From the outset, AXA has been committed to acting as a force for collective good. From solidarity-based actions with AXA Hearts In Action to work on prevention issues with the AXA Research Fund and the fight against climate change, AXA has always been attentive to its social environment and embraced its responsibility as an insurer: responsibility for taking action upstream in order to better understand risks, with one goal in mind: to ensure better protection.

What’s our purpose? 📌 | AXA

Unlock the Future Strategy

2024 Integrated Report

Integrated report

AXA's Adventure

AXA's adventure

Our Purpose

AXA announces the appointment of Ewout Steenbergen as Chair of its Audit Committee

Success of the 2025 employee share offering, with a special initiative this year to celebrate
the 40th anniversary of the AXA brand

AXA & Insurance Development Forum Announce First Close of Infrastructure Resilience Development Fund

This section provides access to the most recent press releases issued by the AXA Group.

Press Releases

Discover who we are, our purpose and the aspirations which have always inspired AXA.

Discover

32% of the population lives with mind health conditions. That’s why AXA has been committed to have a positive impact on mind health.

Taking care of your mind health

The seventh edition of the AXA Foresight Report is built on ten what if scenarios developed by leading experts.

What if we experienced the future?

All around the world, women are disproportionately impacted by risks.

Being a woman shouldn’t be a risk

History

Who we are

Vision and Purpose

Missions

Strategic Plan: Unlock the Future 2026

People and Values

Culture of Feedback

Inclusion and Diversity

Volunteering

People and Culture

Life at AXA

Smart Working

Total Rewards

Personalized Development

Corporate Governance

Governance Overview

Board of Directors

Board Committees

Executive Management

Towards an ever more Responsible & Sustainable Model. Our commitments focus on three key areas - the planet, the people, our products – with multiple initiatives and day-to-day actions to achieve our goals.

See how we manage our impact on the environment by reducing resource use and promoting climate change awareness.

Climate Change & Biodiversity

Ensuring underserved customers around the world gain access to protection for their families, businesses and communities.

AXA EssentiALL

Making climate change adaptation possible. AXA Climate was founded to help both private and public players adapt to climate and environmental challenges.

AXA Climate

Commitments

Vision & Strategy

AXA Sustainability Guiding Framework

Governance

Partnerships & Memberships

Insurance

Investments

ESG Performance

Our strategy

Climate change

Biodiversity

Environmental footprint management

Inclusive Protection

AXA EssentiALL: Inclusive insurance

Women in Insurance

AXA Climate, Engaged Climate Insurer

Responsible Corporation

Technology, Data and Security

Human rights & Vigilance plan

Compliance & ethics

Public affairs

Tax transparency

Suppliers

Human Resources

Subscribe to email alerts

Our financial results, business activities, solutions and recent sustainable initiatives: news, analysis and viewpoints.

New partnership

To support French Decorative Craftsmanship

About Us

Our Purpose

Act for Human Progress by protecting what matters

Our Commitments

Our vision about Sustainability involves striking a long-term balance between environmental, social and economic concerns.

Sustainability

AXA For Progress Index

Climate

Climate Change & Biodiversity

Inclusive Protection

AXA EssentiALL

AXA Foundation for Human Progress

Art, culture & heritage

Volunteering

Employee Commitment

Educating for resilience: a collaboration on disaster risk reduction

Leader’s Voice

Press Releases

AXA announces the appointment of Ewout Steenbergen as Chair of its Audit Committee

Success of the 2025 employee share offering, with a special initiative this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the AXA brand

AXA & Insurance Development Forum Announce First Close of Infrastructure Resilience Development Fund

Calendar

Full Year 2025 Earnings Release

2026 Shareholders' Meeting

Publications