Independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker BMS has announced the opening of a Brisbane office and appointment of Sam Mayne as its Director of Wholesale and Facilities.

The moves are part of the Lloyd’s broker’s continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The Brisbane operation will increase our territorial reach and, as the only independent Lloyd’s broker with local Australian offices, goes further to demonstrate our commitment to the Australian market,” BMS Australia CEO Brett Field said.

Mr Mayne moves from Cooper Gay Australia, where he was head of wholesale. He has more than 13 years’ international experience as a broker.

insuranceNEWS.com.au reported last month in a Breaking News bulletin that Cooper Gay is closing its Australian offices and will service the Australian market from its London and Singapore hubs. It is thought the relocation will be completed by the end of the year.