It’s been a busy morning in the boardrooms of insurance firms with two new CEO announcements.
Optio Group has appointed Deepak Soni (pictured) as its new group CEO, while Cigna Healthcare has named Neil Kirby as CEO of global individual health.
Soni makes the switch to Optio Group via AXA, where he served in the role of commercial director for nine years. During his tenure with the firm, he held a host of senior positions – including heading up the specialty lines business, delegated authority and direct-to-consumer.
According to the MGA, the appointment has been “long-anticipated” by the firm’s private equity partners.
“He brings an impressive track record of driving profitable growth and has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities throughout his 20-year career in senior roles,” said Matthew Fosh, executive chairman. “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.”
Meanwhile, Soni himself described the company as in a “strong position” for growth.
Kirby joins Cigna Healthcare having built up extensive experience across global health insurance. His previous roles include global marketing and sales director at Bupa Global.
Now, he will report in to Jason Sadler, president of international health, and is expected to spearhead what the firm described as a “global expansion” of the business segment.
“Neil’s extensive experience in driving growth in global segments and his strong customer orientation make him well-suited to lead our global individual health business,” said Sadler. “The globally mobile demographic is crucial for us, and with emerging market trends and new opportunities, his expertise is perfectly aligned to help us capitalise on these prospects.”
Kirby himself noted he was looking forward to working with partners across the world and growing “the global consumer segment through the use of market insights.”
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