BMS Canada Risk Services launches Lions Gate Underwriting, appoints managing director

BMS Canada Risk Services (BMS Canada), the Canadian arm of the independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker BMS Group Ltd., announced on Tuesday the launch of a specialist managing general agent (MGA), Lions Gate Underwriting.

Lions Gate Underwriting is a Lloyd’s coverholder and underwrites on behalf of large A rated global insurers and its products are distributed through licensed Canadian insurance brokers.

BMS Canada said in a statement that Lions Gate will commence underwriting immediately, specializing in the following lines: war risk & terrorism insurance; construction, including annual and project-specific coverages; professional liability; cyber/privacy; personal lines; commercial general liability and umbrella liability; residential and commercial property; large open-market risks; travel medical insurance; and accident & sickness.

Shaun Johnston, who will be based in the company’s headquarters in Vancouver, has been appointed as managing director and holds national responsibility for the MGA, including the Ontario presence, the statement said.

Brian Gomes, CEO of BMS Canada, said in the statement that “Shaun’s experience stood out to us immediately and his track record in the provision of advisory, programme design and placement services for large complex projects as well as his market network will prove to be invaluable as we grow Lions Gate across Canada.”

Johnston (pictured left), who is also the COO of BMS Canada, said that “we are now at the next step in our strategic planning towards becoming the go-to business for specialized industries facing risks that require bespoke insurance solutions. We are better positioned than ever to fully service client requirements and our specialist, dedicated teams are ready to do business across the country. I’m greatly looking forward to announcing the various strategic developments over the coming months.”

BMS Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of London, England-based BMS Group. BMS Canada specializes in designing and delivering comprehensive and customzed insurance products and structured solutions for Canadian organizations. With offices in Ottawa and Vancouver, the company provides specialized underwriting services and insurance solutions for commercial and personal risks, with particular expertise in the healthcare, accident & sickness, construction and property development industry segments.