BMS Re, the rapidly expanding specialty reinsurance arm of global broker BMS Group, today announces the appointment of John Canavan as Chief Operating Officer, US, effective 1st May 2024. Canavan will report to Chris Brook, Group COO, and Andrew Wheeler, President, BMS Re.
Canavan joins having held previous operational roles at Willis Re, Guy Carpenter and more recently AIG, where he was the Global COO of Reinsurance. In these roles he was instrumental in improving client and market services, formulating and executing a digitisation strategy and strengthening reinsurance finance policies.
A senior reinsurance operations professional with a proven track record of driving high-performance global teams with a focus on delivering superior client service, Canavan joins BMS Re as it looks to further scale after a period of operational, organic, and M&A growth within its reinsurance business. As US COO, Canavan will direct BMS Re’s operational expansion, from digital and technological capabilities to collaboration with its London and Bermuda operations, while contributing to the group’s strategic goals. Canavan will also manage the accomplished operational team at BMS Re, led by Kris Westall, known for their dedication to delivering a client-focused approach.
Chris Brook, COO of BMS Group said: “Drawing from over four decades of invaluable experience in the US reinsurance market, John brings a wealth of expertise to BMS Re. His unparalleled insight will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reinsurance business. With John working alongside Andrew and I, our teams paramount focus remains steadfast: placing our clients at the forefront of every decision we make. We're thrilled to have him join the BMS family.”
Canavan added: “BMS Re is not only undergoing a period of impressive growth but it is also balancing that with a culture and a reputation for superior client service. I have always been drawn to opportunities where I can contribute to growth but in the right way. In BMS Re I see exactly that. I’m delighted to be joining the team and look forward to supporting the drive to further build on BMS Re’s impressive growth.”