BMS MGA Pioneer hires PI underwriter from Alterra

BMS-backed underwriting agency Pioneer has hired Paula McManus to its professional indemnity (PI) business.

McManus, who will be based in Pioneer’s Lloyd’s office, will write a miscellaneous book of PI that complements those already written by Pioneer. Her main focus will be on UK small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

She was previously professional indemnity underwriting manager at Alterra at Lloyd’s Syndicate 1400. She has held senior underwriting roles at Lloyd’s insurer Beazley, where she managed the underwriting, development and profitability of the UK miscellaneous account.

McManus has also served as London professional indemnity manager at CNA.

Pioneer chief executive Darren Doherty said: “I am pleased to welcome Paula to Pioneer, and I know her experience and knowledge will help to grow what is already a successful business.

“The expansion of each of our third-party business units is amongst our key strategic goals over the coming months.”

McManus added: “I am delighted to be joining such an exciting, expanding venture. When looking around the market it was a natural choice and offers the opportunity to work with some of the best in the underwriting business.”