Top Gallagher/Willis Re leader to steer BMS as new group COO
Specialist re/insurance broker BMS has revealed a new group chief operating officer (COO), who is expected to join next year with extensive global M&A experience from Gallagher Re and Willis Re. He joins on the heels of senior hires from Swiss Re, Guy Carpenter, Lockton Re and others as BMS looks to accelerate its growth momentum following its refinancing in 2022, bringing its valuation to £1.75 billion.
BMS has hired Chris Brook (pictured) as group COO. He is anticipated to join in 2024, following the completion of his contractual obligations.
Brook, who will report directly to Nick Cook, CEO of BMS Group, has vast experience across both insurance and reinsurance. Most recently global COO of Gallagher Re, and before that global COO of Willis Re, he has extensive experience in global M&A activities and integration. BMS noted that Brook played a critical role in holding Willis Re together during significant disruption over a 20-month period while continuing to deliver strong net growth alongside James Kent, former CEO of Willis Re and Gallagher Re.
BMS said his appointment is part of its strategy to accelerate its organic, operational, and M&A growth supporting its goal to reach $1 billion in revenue.
Brook will join the group executive committee and work directly alongside Cook across all three of BMS’ core pillars - Specialty, Reinsurance & International - to execute BMS’ plan “to become the leading specialty insurance and reinsurance broker, globally”.
Brook’s role will also support BMS’s ambition of further enhancing its data and technology capabilities in a strategic move to empower clients to thrive in the dynamic and data-driven business landscape.
Adam Stafford, formerly group COO, will take a new role as group strategy and operations officer for BMS’s UK and international specialty businesses, reporting to Ian Gormley and Nick Gillett.
Cook said: “BMS’ plans for growth have never been more ambitious. In continuing our global expansion plan Chris’s sterling reputation, strategic expertise and deep relationships within the market will be indispensable. He will work alongside me as we further strengthen our hand through a strategy focused on M&A, organic and operational growth across both reinsurance and specialty. Chris is a dependable and resourceful leader and his focus on colleagues and clients embodies exactly the character that BMS needs as we scale. I am delighted to welcome him and cannot overstate the impact I see him having in helping steer BMS as COO in the years to come.”
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