Besso appoints new head of aviation

Besso Insurance Group has appointed Richard West as head of aviation as it seeks to strengthen its aviation team.

West joins from Gibbs Hartley Cooper, where he was also head of aviation.

He is joined by Gerard MacNamara and Liam Bonora, also from Gibbs Hartley Cooper’s aviation practice.

West said: “I am excited to be leading the Besso aviation team at a time when there is a strong demand for the kind of high quality and innovative broking solutions we can offer.

“Both Gerard and Liam will bring depth to the already highly experienced and knowledgeable team at Besso aviation. We are looking forward to expanding and broadening the type of aviation risks we handle and delivering a prompt and personalised service.”

Besso chairman Colin Bird said: “Richard and his team join Besso at an exciting time of growth. He is an expert in aviation broking and I am confident his extensive knowledge and London market background will help us grow our business.”

West has more than 30 years’ broking and insurance experience. He began his career as a Lloyd’s underwriter on Syndicate 478, responsible for the airline and personal accident book. He moved into broking in 1991 at R. Mears & Co where he specialised in UK rotor wing insurance and developed the first dedicated scheme for the Robinson R44 helicopter. Following this, he moved to HSBC Insurance Brokers.