Veteran specialist financial lines broker Giles Smithson (pictured) has joined Lonmar Global Risks as financial and specialty lines divisional director.

Making the switch from Besso, where he spent more than two decades, Smithson reports to executive director Karen Allen. His arrival is aimed at supporting Lonmar’s growth plans for the company’s UK and international financial lines proposition.

The Lloyd’s broker was snapped up by Global Risk Partners (GRP) in 2016.

“It’s great that someone of Giles’ calibre and experience has joined us at this important time,” said Allen. “He will be instrumental in growing Lonmar’s UK and International financial lines offering, and helping us achieve our long-term growth ambitions.”

Smithson’s broking career began at Johnson, Puddifoot & Last in 1991. Prior to coming onboard Lonmar, he was part of the professional and financial risks division at Besso.

Meanwhile, Smithson noted: “My immediate task is to help our clients navigate their way through a challenging period for financial lines, which is experiencing a hardening market as a result of past losses and concerns about the impact of the pandemic.

“Our focus includes not only assisting Lonmar and GRP clients with their management liability and financial lines requirements, but also looking for opportunities to grow our market presence in this sector.”

The key hire added that it’s “an exciting time to be stepping up” to the role.

“I’m really looking forward to helping to grow Lonmar’s London wholesale presence and being part of the GRP Group,” said the new divisional director.