Healthcare insurer AXA Health’s chief executive Tracy Garrad is leaving at the end of this month “to pursue her career outside the organisation” after four years in the post.

AXA Health’s chief financial officer Matt Vardy will act as interim chief executive until a permanent replacement is found.

Garrad will also step down as an executive member of the AXA UK board and a member of the UK and Ireland management committee. She has also been a member of the AXA PPP Healthcare operating board.

She is also a non-executive director for London Stock Exchange, an appointed commissioner on the board of the Jersey Financial Services Commission and a member of the council of managers of the International Federation of Health Plans.