Global broker BMS has outlined ambitious growth plans for Australia.

During a visit to Sydney last week, CEO Nick Cook told insuranceNEWS.com.au that hiring local CEO Andrew Godden from Arthur J Gallagher will give “strategic leadership” in a market that needs “a fresh perspective”.

Further recruitment is expected as the company, headquartered in London, prepares to make “significant investment” in the Australian business.

“BMS will continue to focus on our wholesale business in Sydney under the leadership of Brett Field, our affinity business in Melbourne under the leadership of Shamus Breen and then the build-out of a new specialty broker focused on a few niche lines,” he said.

“Our strategy is not to be just another retail broker – we want to focus on only a few speciality lines.

“We believe our target client base – corporate Australia, the independent retail brokers, industry associations and the MGA market – are seeking a new expertise and a renewed focus through a dedicated personal level of service. BMS will provide that.”

In terms of new hires, Mr Cook says the company “will look for individuals that share in our values of trust and entrepreneurialism”.

“We have a sizeable Australian client base already,” he said.

“We have assigned significant financial resources to invest in Australia in the coming months that will ultimately benefit all of our clients current and new.”