Specialty managing general agent Optio Group has named Deepak Soni as its chief executive officer. He joins from Axa Insurance Co where he spent 9 years in a number of different roles overseeing its SME, direct-to-consumer, delegated authority, and specialty lines businesses.

Matthew Fosh, executive chairman of Optio Group, said: “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.”

Soni (pictured) added: “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.”