London-based insurance brokerage BMS announced the appointmenttoday of James T. Buysse as chief executive officer of its NorthAmerican operations, BMS Intermediaries Inc.

The firm said Mr. Buysse will be based in Philadelphia and willreport to Hugo Crawley, chairman of BMS Intermediaries Ltd.

BMS reported that Mr. Buysse has more than 25 years ofexperience in the reinsurance industry, including a position asexecutive vice president and a member of the U.S. ExecutiveCommittee at Benfield. In early 2007 he left Benfield to form hisown reinsurance intermediary, Buysse and Associates Inc.

"Jim joins us following a period of rapid development and growthfor BMS in the U.S. market. His first-class professionalism,experience and leadership skills will drive the business forwardand create an even stronger U.S. presence," said Mr. Crawley.

"I've been doing business with BMS since the company was foundedin 1980 and know most of the senior management quite well," saidMr. Buysse. "I am very excited to join BMS as the Group continuesits initiative to expand the U.S. operations.

"Their success in this market over the last few years has giventhem a great platform to build on," he added.

"I am very pleased to welcome Jim to BMS," said Anne MarieRoberts, president and chief operating officer of BMSIntermediaries Inc. "Our U.S. presence has grown significantly inrecent years with the addition of several senior specialists. Wewelcome Jim's expertise and look forward to working with him tofurther enhance our U.S. production capabilities."

BMS Group, founded in 1980, services clients from locations inLondon, Bermuda and North America, focusing on reinsurance, programand facilities, and specialist insurance broking. In 2006 theGroup's turnover was $93.6 million.

BMS Intermediaries is the North American arm of the BMS Groupwith offices in Dallas, Chicago, Shelton, Burlington, Princeton,Philadelphia, Minneapolis and London, serving clients throughoutthe USA and Canada.