Optio’s new CEO is 25-year Chubb veteran who had ‘major impact’ on its growth

London-based specialty MGA  Optio Group, which comprises Cove Programs, Ascent Underwriting and broker Bay Risk Services, has revealed its new group chief executive officer (CEO), who it says has had a major impact on its growth and expansion in the last year.

David Robinson (pictured) has moved into the CEO role having been initially appointed as managing director back in March 2022.

The specialty MGA’s former CEO Kevin Hastings stepped down in March 2021 to take a non-executive role while handing over his responsibilities to executive chairman Matthew Fosh and other members of the management team.

Robinson joined Optio last year from The Hartford where he was head of international financial lines. He has more than three decades of experience, including 25 years at Chubb and then ACE where he became regional president, UK & Ireland, with responsibility for P&C, A&H, specialty personal lines and high net worth personal lines.

In an official statement, Optio said Robinson’s promotion reflects his work to optimise operational excellence across the group’s underwriting, claims and data support functions. He has also been at the forefront of driving Optio’s expansion across multiple lines and geographies, notably in establishing Optio Re MENA, which began trading February 2023.

Robinson will continue to report to Fosh and his appointment follows a strong year of growth in revenue and profitability for Optio Group.

Fosh said: “I am delighted to announce David’s appointment as CEO of Optio Group. David has had a major impact since he joined, accelerating growth across the business and allowing us to achieve important strategic milestones, including establishing operations in MENA.”

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