BMS hires Mercier from Willis Re as US Chief Operating Officer

Insurance and reinsurance broking group BMS has added another senior hire to its US broking team, appointing Robert Mercier as Chief Operating Officer of its US business.

Mercier joins BMS from his most recent role at rival Willis Re, where he was most recently Operations Director.

Mercier will join BMS on February 25th and will be based in the brokers Philadelphia office, reporting to Pete Chandler, CEO and President of BMS’s US arm.

He has more than 20 years’ experience in managing reinsurance operations in North America and globally.

He had spent 15 years at Willis Re, serving in a number of senior positions.

Before joining Willis Re, Mercier was the Global Underwriting Operations Leader at GE Insurance Solutions for five years, where he worked on the development of property and casualty reinsurance products, services, and systems with an emphasis on driving efficiency, productivity, and expense improvements.

He has a background in underwriting, client services, and also sales experience in reinsurance and specialty insurance markets, having also previously worked at carrier Converium (now Zurich Re) and broking group Marsh & McLennan.

Chandler commented on the new addition to BMS’ US team, “BMS’s reinsurance revenues have now topped $100mn; continued investment in talent at all levels, including leadership, brokerage, analytical and actuarial is absolutely planned for 2021 and beyond. Our reinsurance team has grown significantly over the past two years, as we continue to attract market-leading talent, are constantly challenging the status quo and developing new reinsurance products for our clients and prospects. To accelerate our growth momentum in 2021, we continue to invest heavily in talent and technology, with a particular focus on all things digital, analytics and data.

“With Bob’s outstanding experience in executing core operational and growth strategies, he will contribute greatly to the continued build-out of our capabilities. His appointment is a crucial step in our long-term expansion strategy, and I am very pleased to welcome Bob to our team.”

Mercier added “BMS is deeply committed to fuelling significant, persistent growth and profitability. With a vision and strategy informed by insight and understanding of key market sectors, and underpinned by outstanding 2020 accomplishments and continuing investments, BMS is uniquely positioned for robust, sustained expansion in a dynamic and changing marketplace. BMS’s exceptional leadership team, broadening talent base, and diverse partnerships provide a strong foundation for our continued success as the emerging independent broker of choice. It is a very exciting, opportune time to join BMS and I look forward to working closely with Pete and the team.”