Newly appointed Coverforce CEO Tony Goldsmith says the broker remains focused on acquisition opportunities as he aims to steer the business forward, with the backing of parent company Steadfast.

Mr Goldsmith commenced as CEO this month, taking over from Jim Angelis who has been appointed Chairman.

Coverforce announced the appointments last Friday, with Mr Goldsmith to also join the board alongside Directors Mr Angelis, Steadfast CEO Robert Kelly, Stephen Humphreys and Jitendra Dutt with effect this month.

Mr Goldsmith joined the business as Coverforce Partners CEO in February 2016, according to his LinkedIn. Before Coverforce he was Head of Distribution and Sales at Reliance Group.

“Our growth plans remain ambitious backed by the continued support of the Coverforce board and the strength of our owner, Steadfast,” Mr Goldsmith said.

“We will continue our strong appetite for acquisitions and investment in our platform of services providing our brokers and partners with significant efficiencies and competitive advantage.”

Coverforce continues to grow and expand its footprint in the Australian insurance broking market with more than $700 million in gross written premium (GWP), since Steadfast acquired the business last year for $411.5 million.

Mr Angelis says the new CEO is a “quality executive” who has built and led the Coverforce Partners business from a start-up five years ago to a “market-leading” partner network with $300 million in GWP.

“I am grateful that someone with [his] ability is available within the business to take over the reins and take Coverforce forward,” Mr Angelis said.

“As Chairman, I remain involved with Coverforce but will also be available to assist our owner, Steadfast, progress a number of projects Steadfast has in its pipeline.”