James Breeze

Experienced leader with 13+ years in digital transformation, AI, portfolio management, and strategic technology initiatives within the insurance sector. Skilled in developing roadmaps, driving change programs, and delivering measurable business value. Strong stakeholder engagement at senior levels, with expertise in governance, prioritization, and benefits realization. Certified SAFe Practitioner with a focus on leveraging technology to support growth and operational excellence.

Technical Product Lead/Owner - Digital Factory at AXA XL (2022-01 – Present)

Strategic Partner Driving Business Growth & Data Governance

• Collaborated with Underwriting and Claims leadership to translate strategic objectives into scalable AI technology solutions supporting portfolio initiatives, delivering a $5M E2E Insurance transformation within a scaled agile framework
• Developed and maintained a technology roadmap aligned with business priorities, regulatory requirements, and data governance standards
• Managed a portfolio of automation and AI/NLP projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
• Led vendor negotiations, ensuring long-term value and compliance, and provided strategic guidance on technology investments
• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to define project scope, prioritize initiatives, and realize benefits aligned with organizational strategy

Technical Product Lead/Owner - Automation & AI at AXA XL (2020-01 – 2022-01)

Driving Business Value through AI & Digital Innovation

• Managed a portfolio of AI/NLP MVPs that improved risk assessment, claims processing efficiency, and contract management accuracy
• Developed and executed the NLP Strategy and Roadmap, positioning the organization as a leader in AI-driven insurance solutions
• Engaged senior stakeholders across business and technology to ensure solutions supported strategic transformation and compliance standards
• Managed interdependencies among AI initiatives, integrating them into broader change portfolios
• Negotiated an unlimited NLP platform license saving $400K on list price

Digital Theme Lead - Digital Team at XL Catlin (2016-01 – 2020-01)

Innovating with Business-Centric Digital Solutions

• Led cross-functional teams exploring emerging technologies such as AI and IoT to develop digital products aligned with strategic growth
• Product owner and delivery lead of Risk Consulting Loss Prevention AI capability, delivering annual benefits of $250K driving continuous improvement through regular Steering Groups
• Partnered with business units to co-create AI/IOT prototypes like "Digital Risk Engineer" generating new revenue streams and risk insights
• Engaged with multiple Vendors including startups to research Innovative AI/IOT solutions, negotiating multiple POCs at zero cost
• Managed digital project portfolios, ensuring initiatives were prioritised based on strategic value and governance standards
• Represented XL Catlin and presented at key industry conferences, positioning as an InsurTech innovator and strengthening industry relationships

Technical Manager - Application Solutions at Catlin/XL Catlin (2013-01 – 2016-01)

Enabling Data-Driven Business Decisions

• Owned the strategic roadmap for a unified reporting and analytics platform, enabling data-driven decision-making
• Managed vendor negotiations, licensing, budgets and costs for enterprise BI solutions, aligning investments with strategic priorities realising synergy savings of circa $500K

Technical Consultant at Multiple Companies (2013-01)

Previous roles at EE, Orange, T-Mobile, Warner Bros, London Electricity, Sainsbury's, Zeneca, Mercury Communication

BSc Hons in Maths & Computing