Chris Butcher takes senior role at UK wholesale broking business.

Cooper Gay has announced the appointment of Chris Butcher as managing director of FSJ Broking, its UK wholesale broking business.

He will assume day to day operational management of FSJ with immediate effect. Derek Thornton will continue as executive chairman and will report to Butcher.

Butcher has over 25 years of experience of the UK and international markets. Most recently he was responsible for the formation of a European network for a major Lloyd's Syndicate.

FSJ was purchased from Heath Lambert in May to create a strong UK wholesale division for Cooper Gay. Its London based team places non-standard risks for a large number of brokers within the UK and specialises in motor fleet, high hazard commercial accounts and pharmaceutical and medical malpractice business.

Jim Summers, chief executive officer of Copper Gay, said: “We are delighted to have attracted Chris to both FSJ and to the Cooper Gay Group. His considerable experience, particularly in the field of managing general agencies (MGA), will be invaluable in supporting our growth plans in this exciting sector of the market.”