BMS Re, the specialty reinsurance arm of the global broking group BMS, has appointed Brendan O’Brien as vice-president in its Bermuda office.

He will report to Chris McDowell, CEO of BMS Re Bermuda.

Mr O’Brien will support BMS Re’s alternative risk transfer initiatives as well as contribute to the traditional reinsurance and retro activities across the platform.

His role will encompass both property catastrophe and non-catastrophe lines, including credit reinsurance, bolstering BMS Re’s existing offering in the market.

Mr O’Brien joins BMS Re from his latest position as an underwriter in Assured Guaranty Re’s structured finance division.

Prior to this, he was at Nephila Capital Limited for six years, where he amassed experience on the catastrophe bond desk and was also involved in the firm’s outwards reinsurance and retro strategy.

He is a CFA charter holder, registered with the Bermuda Institute.

Mr McDowell said: “Brendan holds the expertise and experience to join our Bermuda office and contribute from the word go. His knowledge of the demands and opportunities of a cat bond desk will prove invaluable to us as we build out our secondary cat bond trading initiative.

“I am delighted to welcome him to BMS Re and am excited to see both the impact he will have on our cat bond initiative as well as the wider input he will have on our growth.”

Mr O’Brien added: “I’m pleased to join BMS Re during a time of extraordinary growth. BMS Re has a well-established global reputation, and I look forward to contributing towards the execution of the group’s various initiatives, learning from the exceptional people, and participating in a remarkable culture.”