Specialist broker appoints new UK chief growth officer

Independent specialist broker BMS Group has promoted Hannah Watkins to the newly created role of UK chief growth officer.

The appointee’s responsibilities will include leading the development and execution of BMS’ growth plan, alongside working with carriers to consolidate its market presence.

Watkins, who will be based in London, will also coordinate the broker’s origination strategy to help its UK teams support the US and international offices achieve revenue targets.

She will continue to report to BMS Group’s UK chief executive Ian Gormley.

“Hannah has been a major contributor to the BMS growth story and a key architect to our client first culture, seamlessly operating across specialty insurance, delegated and reinsurance markets,” Gormley said.

“This experience makes her a standout candidate to unify our strengths across the business and drive the next cycle of our growth.”

Experience

Watkins joined BMS Group over 12 years ago as director of risk solutions and most recently served as managing director of its reinsurance arm BMS Re.

Prior to joining the group, she worked as an associate at insurance conglomerate Jardine Lloyd Thomson (JLT) Group for around six years before joining broker Glencairn as an associate for a similar period.

Watkins said she has been “lucky enough” to call BMS her home for over the last decade and the “opportunity to take that even further” is one she was “delighted to take on”.

“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do and I’m deeply motivated by the impact our work has on people, businesses and communities,” she added.

“I’m excited to assume this new role to further drive BMS’ growth, be a powerful advocate for our clients and champion our incredible team.”