Optio Group has promoted Mark Kelsey to the role of UK head of political violence and terrorism (PVT).
As head of PVT in the UK, Kelsey will report to Optio PVT global head Chris Kirby – who relocated last September to establish Optio’s PVT underwriting capabilities in the US, a release said. Kelsey first joined Optio as a senior underwriter in 2020.
“I’m extremely pleased to welcome Mark to his new role where he will be an even greater asset as Optio pursues its strategic growth ambitions. After establishing a physical presence for PVT underwriting in the US last year, the combined effect of that plus the general increase in civil unrest has created a surge in demand,” said Kirby.
In addition to Kelsey’s appointment, Optio also announced that it has tripled its line size for single risks to US$150 million, following what it calls a “significant increase in civil disturbance, riots and active shooter events.”
“The developments announced today are part of range of measures designed to meet that demand and to support brokers and insureds facing considerable challenges posed by the dynamic and fast-changing PVT risk environment,” stated Kirby.
The material enlargement of our PVT book, together with the recent acquisitions of Northcourt and Brockwell Capital, have advanced Optio’s growth strategy across a suite of core specialty lines. We are delighted at the team’s success in re-engineering our PVT proposition, having recently expanded our PVT presence into the US specifically to meet growing market demand,” commented Optio Group executive chairman Matthew Fosh.
