Watts has 15 years’ experience of working in protection, while he joins after spending eight years at Zurich’s corporate risk department.
Optimal was established by Holloway Friendly 18 months ago and in that time has doubled its staff count.
Nigel Hartley, managing director of Optimal Protection, added: “I see it as an enormous vote of confidence in Optimal and the reputation that we are developing for our service and relationship focused business model, that Iain would leave Zurich to join us.
“Iain brings a huge amount of experience which he will be using to add value to advisers across the south of the country so that Optimal continues to grow.
“Service is as important for Optimal as are the products we offer, Iain’s appointment gives our adviser network in the south of England the face-to-face contact and support they need.”
Watts represents the provider’s second BDM appointment in four months.
He said: “This is a particularly exciting time for Optimal as it is on the cusp of a number of new developments.
“Optimal has developed some great products already and there are more in the pipeline, it is also rapidly becoming known for its high service standards to advisers, so it is an exciting time to be joining.
“With the burgeoning number of small and medium sized businesses, there is a huge unmet need for business protection and employee benefits and I am looking forward to talking to advisers about the Optimal solutions that they can offer their clients.”
