Ascent-Cove appoints Ian Beaton and rebrands as Optio

Ascent Underwriting, the cyber and specialty lines managing general agent (MGA), and Cove Programs, the US construction-focused MGA, have appointed Ian Beaton as a non-executive director of the group.

Ascent-Cove has also announced that it is rebranding as Optio, which “symbolises a future-focused organisation”.

The group described Beaton as a “heavyweight”. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Ark Syndicate Management, and also holds non-executive positions in Innova Re Investment Solutions and Mercury Capital.

Beaton’s earlier career includes having worked at McKinsey & Company in the 1990s. As joint head of insurance, London, he was closely involved in the repositioning of Willis and the integration of Eagle Star with Zurich Insurance in 1998.

Optio CEO Kevin Hastings said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Ian to Optio. This aligns with moving to larger premises under our new name, which will enable us to take full advantage of our combined strengths as a single entity. Ian’s commercial dexterity has allowed him to navigate the complexities of the Lloyd’s markets for the past 15 years with great success. We look forward to working with him and his invaluable input into the development of Optio.”

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