Optio Group, the specialty MGA, today announces the appointment of Chris Heider who joins Cove Programs, an Optio company, as senior risk engineer effective immediately. Based in Ohio, Heider will report to Nathan Espe, head of Cove’s subcontractor default insurance (SDI) practice.
Heider brings more than 26 years of expertise having specialized in risk engineering, construction project management, engineering and design. He joins Cove from Rimkus Consulting Group where he held the role of principal construction consultant since 2018. Prior to this, Heider worked as a risk engineer for Zurich North America, where for 13 years he provided services to construction project owners and managers for top general contractors at both the project and corporate level.
Todd Germano, Optio’s managing director North America, said: “Through continued investment in top-tier talent, Cove has built a market leading SDI team and Chris’ extensive background compliments both our growth ambitions and commitment to client service. His appointment further bolsters our specialist capability and I am delighted to welcome him to Cove.”
Espe said: “Working alongside the underwriting team, Chris will implement strategic changes and processes to ensure efficiency, quality and overall service to clients, while identifying opportunities to improve the risk selection and underwriting process, thereby strengthening Cove’s SDI portfolio. Chris is an excellent addition to the team and I look forward to working with him.”