Specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, BMS Group, has appointed Marsh’s Peregrine Towneley as the Group’s Chairman of International Operations, reporting to Nick Cook, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at BMS.
In his new role, Towneley’s time will be split between helping develop business for the London wholesale, property and energy teams and working closely with David Battman, Managing Director of International at BMS, focusing on the company’s expansion in the Middle East and North Africa.
He brings more than 37 years of international insurance industry experience to the brokerage, most recently serving as Marsh’s Chairman of Middle East and North Africa since the company’s merger with JLT in 2019.
Previously, Towneley held the same Group title at JLT Group since 2016, having initially joined the firm in 2005. During his time with re/insurance broker JLT, he held numerous senior roles, including Chairman of the Marine and Energy division. Throughout his career in the insurance industry, he has worked for insurers in the Middle East, Asia, North America and Europe, specialising in non-marine energy and property.
Cook said: “As we continue to expand our global platform, Peregrine’s vast experience in the global energy sector and his understanding of the Middle East and North African markets will be invaluable in supporting our international team.
“Alongside David Battman, he will lead the development of our international corporate strategy, with a particular focus on the Middle Eastern market and our growing US and international energy business. We have identified a number of opportunities to expand in those areas and I would therefore like to welcome Peregrine to BMS.”
Commenting on his new role, Towneley added: “The current MENA market has plenty of disruptive opportunities for an independent, well-resourced broker like BMS, which has the appetite and clear vision needed to successfully grow in current conditions. BMS’s recent expansion has made a clear impression on the market and I look forward to working with the talented team here to further grow the business.”
