Team: Leadership
Ken O'Connell
Head of Compliance
Areas of Specialty
- Compliance
- Data Protection
- Project Management
- Quality Assurance
- Risk
Ken joined Optis Insurance as Head of Compliance in May 2022 having previously served as Head of Compliance in KennCo Underwriting Ltd. Ken has extensive experience in the General Insurance industry, having worked for some of Ireland’s largest Insurers and Brokers in a career spanning more than 20 years. Ken has an excellent understanding of the regulatory landscape and is responsible for all regulatory, compliance, risk management, and governance matters within Optis Insurance. Ken’s academic achievements complement his practical experience, having attained various qualifications from the Compliance and Insurance Institutes.
Away from the desk, Ken enjoys coaching his local underage soccer team, rugby, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Frankie McCague
Chief Executive Officer
Frankie joined Optis in July 2021 as Chief Executive Officer. A Chartered Insurer, Frankie held senior management positions with IBM and Abbott prior to pursuing a career in Financial Services when offered a position with Liberty Insurance in 2008. An advocate of lifelong learning, Frankie quickly attained Associateship of the Chartered Insurance Institute. He joined the board of Quick-Sure Insurance in 2015 as Operations Director and later moved to Axa XL prior to joining the team at Optis.
Frankie divides his time between offices in Trim and London, and on the weekends he can be found on the playing fields of his beloved Scotstown GAA Club where he coaches the next generation of Gaelic football stars!
Jason Crouch
Account Manager
Areas of Specialty
- All Risks
- Casualty
- Liability
- Property
Jason joined Optis Insurance in January 2021. This move came as a result of Brexit, which prompted Citynet’s Irish team to relocate to Optis Insurance’s London branch in 2020.
With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Jason began his career in 2007 as part of the Small Business Underwriting Team at Hiscox. He has since gained extensive knowledge and expertise in Property and Liability insurance in both Ireland and the UK, having worked in both Broking and Underwriting.
Prior to joining Optis, Jason worked at Citynet from 2013. As a key member of the team, he collaborates closely with the CEO, Branch Manager, and Broking Manager to ensure that Optis delivers a high-standard service to all its clients. He is also responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of his department and leads operational teams in both London and County Meath, Ireland.
When he’s not at work, Jason enjoys travelling, with the United States being a favourite destination. He also loves Football, American Football, and Country Music. His personal motto is “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today,” a quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
Declan Reilly
Head of Wholesale
Areas of Specialty
- All Risks
- Casualty
- Liability
- Property
In 2020, Declan joined Optis Insurance as the Head of Wholesale, following his tenure as the Associate Director and Irish Country Manager at Citynet from 2011.
With over 22 years of experience in the insurance sector, Declan embarked on his professional journey as a Commercial Sales Manager for Ireland at Quinn Insurance in 2001, where he served until 2011.
Declan is a certified insurance professional and obtained his Professional Diploma in Insurance in November 2012. He is a people-oriented individual who derives pleasure from interacting with others. Furthermore, he possesses excellent decision-making skills and works with all parties concerned to ensure a fair and reasonable resolution of any issue.
Being aware of the ever-changing environment in the insurance industry, Declan is conscious of its impact on brokers and their markets. He concentrates on delivering the core requirements to our panel of brokers.
Mark Gibney
Claims Manager
Areas of Specialty
- Claims
- Claims Management
- Commercial Insurance
- Process Improvement
- Project Management
Mark joined Optis Insurance in May 2013 and has since handled various classes of business, with a particular focus on Claims and Professional Indemnity & Real Estate products. With over 17 years of experience in the insurance industry, Mark has previously worked with some of Ireland’s largest insurers.
In July 2022, Mark was promoted to Claims Manager for Optis Insurance, where he now oversees MGA and London Market claims.
He possesses a comprehensive knowledge of Commercial Insurance and has a thorough understanding of the Claims landscape in the Irish market.
Brian Moran
Account Manager
Areas of Specialty
- Commercial Lines
Having spent 13 years with Optis Insurance, Brian possesses extensive expertise in all aspects of Commercial Insurance. With more than 23 years of experience in the insurance sector, he previously served as a Senior Account Executive at an MGA and various insurance firms prior to joining Optis.
As the person responsible for overseeing the team’s daily operations, Brian is entrusted with ensuring that Optis maintains its exceptional level of service to our Brokers and Insurance Partners.
Outside of work, Brian relishes travelling with his family.