Pioneer strengthens underwriting platform

Pioneer Underwriting, part of the BMS Group, has appointed Jonathan Matthews as chief operating officer as part of its plan to broaden the expertise and reach of its underwriting business.

“Jonathan’s appointment reinforces our strategy to create a first class underwriting business, committed to bringing new business to the Lloyd’s and London markets and generating long-term underwriting profitability across a diversified portfolio of specialty franchises,” said Darren Doherty, chief executive officer of Pioneer.

Matthews joins Pioneer from Ryan Specialty Group Europe (RSG) where he was group chief operating officer and part of the Lloyd’s entry team that acquired Jubilee Managing Agency and the Direct Group businesses, enabling RSG to become the first broker-led organisation to operate a Lloyd’s Syndicate since the revision of the Lloyd’s Act.

He has also previously held CRO and underwriting management roles with Liberty Syndicates and Beazley.

“The success of Pioneer since its launch in 2011 as an independent entity within the Group, mirrors the successful achievement by the Group of the first phase of its growth strategy,” said BMS group chairman Christopher Hopton.

“Alongside our three other divisions Pioneer has developed into a strong business with significant growth potential. It has become a dynamic underwriting agency with seven teams operating across four locations, each providing unrivalled coverage in the MGA/MGU arena. As Pioneer moves into the next phase of its development this appointment will enable existing and new teams to develop in an integrated fashion.”