Laurence Boone has been working as a special adviser on multilateral and European economic and financial affairs for President Francois Hollande at the Elysée Palace.
Her appointment comes after Eric Chaney announced he will retire in September.
Her other previous roles include chief economist Europe at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Research as well as chief economist France at Barclays Capital.
Ms Boone will be based in AXA IM’s Paris office where she will lead a global team of 10 economists and investment strategists responsible for providing clients with investable research to help them make the most informed investment decisions.
She will also help AXA IM meet the needs of the sovereign wealth funds, central banks and state pension funds as well as providing advice on the most likely scenarios for the global economy in the medium to long term.
Ms Boone will be responsible for assessing the main macroeconomic risks and will become a member of AXA IM’s executive committee.
Henri de Castries, chairman and chief executive of AXA, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Laurence has decided to join AXA. She is a leading economist, with a very strong track record at international organisations, leading financial institutions and more recently in her role of advisor to the French Presidency Office on world affairs.
“I am confident that she will continue the excellent work done by Eric and his team in providing invaluable insight to our management committee as well as our investment managers and their clients.”