Optio Group, the specialty MGA, today announces the appointment of Hywel Jones who will jointly lead Optio’s accident and health division (A&H) alongside Darren Delande, effective immediately. Jones will report to Optio Group CUO Paul Western.

Jones brings more than 30 years’ of industry experience and joins Optio from AmTrust Europe where he held the role of general manager, A&H, since 2013. While at AmTrust, Jones played a key role in the development of the business’s international A&H offering. Prior to this Jones led the European life, accident & health division as the commercial director and interim CEO at CIGNA Insurance.

Western said:

“Optio has been strategically growing and investing in its specialty capability, and Hywel’s appointment perfectly aligns with our accelerated ambitions following Optio’s entrance into the A&H space in July of last year. Hywel’s extensive background in the global A&H market, technological capability, and ability to develop innovative products in keeping with the evolving A&H landscape makes him an excellent addition to the team. Together with Darren, Hywel will play an instrumental role in further strengthening Optio’s A&H offering and the development of top-tier solutions for our clients.”