Optio Group, a leading specialty MGA, is pleased to announce that Deepak Soni has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective today.
Soni joins Optio Group from AXA, where he served as commercial director of AXA Insurance Co. for the past nine years, playing a pivotal role in executing AXA’s UK commercial strategy and growing the business. Throughout his tenure at AXA, Soni held multiple senior positions, overseeing its SME, direct-to-consumer, delegated authority, and specialty lines businesses. Prior to joining AXA in 2015, he spent nine years at Hiscox in various senior roles, including head of Hiscox Direct Commercial, following an early career as a broker at Aon for three years.
The appointment of Deepak Soni as CEO has been a long-anticipated and carefully considered decision by the Optio board and its private equity partners, Preservation Capital Partners. Soni brings extensive experience, strategic vision, and a proven track record of building out a business, positioning him perfectly to lead Optio through its next phase of global expansion and profitable growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.
Matthew Fosh, executive chairman of Optio Group, stated: “I am delighted to announce Deepak’s appointment as the new CEO of Optio Group. He brings an impressive track record of driving profitable growth and has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities throughout his 20-year career in senior roles. Deepak joins us at a pivotal time in Optio’s development, and I am confident he will help us seize opportunities for further profitable growth under his leadership.”
Deepak Soni commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Optio and to lead the next phase of its development. Optio’s strong position in the specialty market provides an excellent foundation for growth, and I look forward to working with the talented teams within the business. Together, we will continue to deliver outstanding products and services to the global insurance market, driving innovation and success.”
Jeroen Bischops, a partner at Preservation Capital Partners, added: “We are excited to have Deepak at the helm of Optio Group. His wealth of experience, strategic insight, and proven leadership make him the ideal choice to lead the company as it enters its next stage of growth. Preservation Capital Partners remains committed to supporting Optio in its ambitious plans, and we are confident that Deepak will drive the business to even greater heights.”