Optio Group, an independent specialty managing general agent (MGA), has named Jamie Jeffers as managing director of Optio Asia, tasking him with overseeing the development of its insurance business across Asia-Pacific.
The appointment takes effect immediately, with Jeffers operating from Singapore. His responsibilities will include identifying opportunities to enter new markets, strengthening the group’s underwriting operations and supporting the expansion of its regional specialty insurance portfolio.
The company plans to use the existing presence of Circles Group in Asia-Pacific to support its expansion ambitions. According to Optio, its priorities include introducing additional specialty insurance capabilities, considering opportunities in new lines of business and developing closer commercial relationships with regional brokers, insurance capacity providers and other industry partners.
Jeffers brings experience in underwriting management, specialty risk and insurance distribution. He previously worked at Canopius, holding dual responsibilities as head of credit and political risk for Asia-Pacific and head of the global underwriting committee.
At Canopius, Jeffers led the establishment and subsequent development of its regional credit and political risk operations, which became profitable under his leadership. His responsibilities also extended to the international business, where he provided oversight of a sizeable global underwriting portfolio.
His earlier career included senior appointments at Willis Towers Watson and Westpac, spanning both insurance and financial services. Optio pointed to his experience in establishing insurance operations, managing specialist underwriting exposures and developing broker and distribution networks as part of the expertise he brings to the position.
Deepak Soni, Chief Executive Officer of Optio Group, commented: “Asia-Pacific is a key market for us as we continue to build a broader specialty insurance platform. Circles Group provides an established regional platform from which to develop new capabilities and bring more of Optio’s underwriting expertise to clients and partners across Asia-Pacific.
“Jamie has a proven track record of building successful businesses and leading high-performing underwriting teams. His experience, local market relationships and disciplined approach will be invaluable as we grow across the region.”
Jeffers added: “I’m delighted to be joining Optio at such an exciting stage of its development. Asia-Pacific offers significant opportunities for a specialty platform with the right underwriting expertise, distribution network and capacity partnerships. Thanks to Circles Group, we already have a strong foundation in the region. I look forward to working with our teams, partners and clients to broaden our offering and build a sustainable, profitable business for the long term.”
