MGA hires Axa leader and ex-Hiscox boss as new chief underwriting officer

Specialist MGA Optio Group has appointed Gary Head as its new chief underwriting officer.

Head joins from Axa UK, where he has served as the director of schemes and delegated authorities for the last five years.

In 2022, he took on the additional role of director for financial lines.

Before Axa UK, he spent 22 years at Hiscox, with him holding a range of senior roles such as UK and US chief underwriting officer.

He also held the position of managing director for alternative distribution for four years before departing for Axa UK.

Matthew Fosh, executive chairman at Optio Group, said: “I am delighted to announce Head’s appointment as the new chief underwriting officer at Optio.

“Throughout his decades-long career, Head has excelled in senior roles in major carriers.

”We believe he is poised to drive innovation and excellence within our organisation and are very fortunate to have him on board.”

Other appointments

The appointment follows a series of hires at the MGA in late 2024.

Insi Davenport took on the role of group chief risk officer, while Marc Van der Veer became managing director for Europe. Joanna Eilts, meanwhile, was appointed as head of legal.

Commenting on his appointment, Head said: “I am very excited to join Optio and in a role where I think that I can really add value to its underwriting teams.

“Optio’s expansion into new markets and profitable specialties has been highly impressive.

“I very much look forward to working with them to help realise that potential”