BMS Group’s Pioneer Names Hinman in U.S. Expansion

The UK-based BMS Group, an independent global broker, announced the appointment of delegated authority underwriter Gene Hinman, who will join its Managing General Agent (MGA) platform, Pioneer Underwriting Ltd, in a move BMS described as the achievement of “another significant strategic goal.

Hinman was formerly Senior Vice President at Axis. He will be based in Atlanta, and will “establish Pioneer USA, the MGA platform’s cross-class, multi-line delegated offering – providing accessibility to US agencies and markets,” said the announcement. “He brings with him strong relationships within the MGA arena and with US carriers.”

BMS Group launched Pioneer in April 2011 under the Pioneer Holdings Ltd umbrella. Pioneer is planning to develop a variety of risk-taking entities to offer their clients a wide range of underwriting vehicles. Pioneer Holdings Ltd is owned by BMS Associates Ltd – BMS’s holding company – and is the group’s underwriting division.

CEO, Carl Beardmore welcomed Hinman to the group, indicating that he is “a highly-respected market-leader who will ensure that Pioneer is a success in the US market. This US platform will enable us to provide partnerships between a variety of Pioneer clients and BMS clients – to the mutual benefit of all. This is a genuine leap forward for BMS and Pioneer.”

Pioneer’s Managing Director Darren Doherty, added: “Since its launch in April 2011, Pioneer has established itself as one of the largest London-based MGAs in terms of capacity. Gene’s appointment signals our commitment to growing the business significantly. Gene has a proven track record of profitability and achievement and having someone of his caliber to create and oversee the Pioneer USA platform will ensure we can put in place a viable, profitable and respected platform.”

Source: BMS Group

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