London, 08 October 2019: Ascent Underwriting, the cyber and specialty lines MGA and a founding partner of OPTIO, today announces the appointment of two cyber underwriters, Kieran Shiret and Henry Rydon, effective immediately.

Both will report to Caspar Stops, head of cyber. As announced in September, Ascent is now a group company of Optio, which together with Cove Programs forms one of the largest independently-owned specialty MGA groups. Optio recently hired market veterans Ian Beaton, as non-executive director, and Paul Western as group CUO.

Shiret and Rydon bring additional cyber expertise and experience to Optio, particularly in its core market of North America. Both previously held underwriting roles at Beazley and Equinox respectively.

Stops said:

“I am extremely pleased to announce the appointments of Kieran and Henry; two extremely talented underwriters with considerable drive, composure and technical ability. Their appointments reflect the strong demand for cyber products in North America and our ongoing efforts to keep pace with that demand. I am delighted to welcome them to Optio and look forward to working with them to further leverage the strengths of our organisation and set new standards for our clients.”