Loss adjuster McLarens is opening an office in Byron Bay to serve clients in northern NSW and the Gold Coast, as the US group expands its Australian operations.

Chartered loss adjuster Matt Coles, who has more than 20 years’ experience, will manage the region.

McLarens, which provides loss adjusting and risk management in 39 countries, opened an office in Perth last year and also has operations in Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney.

“We are delighted to appoint Matt given his decades of experience in the Sydney and northern markets, and his expertise in corporate and commercial claims together with other specialist classes,” Regional Director Australasia Martyn Wicht said.

The Australian team includes more than 35 qualified adjusters with expertise in property, construction, natural resources, marine and transit. McLarens’ aviation division is a long-term leader in the Australian market, with dedicated aviation surveyors in three offices, plus Wellington, New Zealand.

Private equity ownership of McLarens recently changed hands, with Lee Equity Partners acquiring a key holding from Altamont Capital. McLarens loss adjusters and managers maintain a substantial stake in the business.