Florida startup Mangrove Property Insurance adds Olympus' Cotton as COO

By Isha Marathe

March 25 - (The Insurer) - Florida startup Mangrove Property Insurance Company has appointed former chief operating officer at Olympus Insurance Company, Tim Cotton, as its COO, joining four recent executive hires.

Cotton has over 30 years of experience in the industry, 28 of which were spent within the Florida property market. Before Olympus, he held roles at AmCap Insurance, Swyfft, UPC and more, with responsibilities for underwriting, policy services, sales and marketing and claims at other companies.

Mangrove highlighted Cotton's work developing option to repair and home restoration programs.

“Great companies are built by great teams. Mangrove is determined to be a long-term, stable property insurance solution in Florida, and is dedicated to a high level of underwriting and claims service,” said Stephen Weinstein, CEO of Mangrove.

Four recent executive hires joined Cotton on the leadership team.

Brian Turnau joined in March as the claims director, The Insurer reported. He has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including at FedNat and as an independent insurance consultant.

Chris August joined Mangrove in February as head of distribution, and has more than 23 years of experience in the industry at companies such as Orchid and AmCap Insurance.

Allan Franklin, who has been with Mangrove since December 2024 as chief financial officer and treasurer, brings 15 years of accounting experience in the public and private sectors, including Cabrillo Coastal General Insurance Agency, Thomas Howell Ferguson, and more.

Eduardo Miranda, who joined in February as senior vice president of risk, underwriting and analytics, has over 25 years of experience in the industry. He has held long-term leadership positions at Universal North America.

Earlier in March, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation granted Mangrove Property Insurance Company approval to assume policies from residual insurer Citizens Property Insurance Corporation during the June 2025 takeout process.