ABOUT

We cover the reinsurance you need to suit your company

Our team has almost 60 years of combined experience behind them. 
You can be assured that your business is safe in our hands. 

As a small broker, we know we have to perform better not only on the pricing and structure but also on service.
We keep constant communication not only with our clients but also markets. We understand there is nothing worse than silence.
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
We are dedicated to exceeding our partner’s customer service expectations. Somerset provides consistent and open communication. Our strategy is to create an educational environment, facilitating the growth and stability of our clients. Our constant communication, proper sense of urgency and timely responsiveness allows us to be a catalyst for your success. 

We take pride in our ability to tailor make a program best suited to each individual partner. We value each and every relationship, their policy holders and the success of their programs. Our vision is to maintain an enjoyable environment, flexible attitude and creative nature to ensure our partners best interest are ALWAYS our focus.

John Brooks

Founded by John Brooks, Somerset Holdings Ltd (SHL) is a Bermuda based reinsurance intermediary, regulated by the Bermuda Money Authority (BMA). John has worked in the reinsurance industry for nearly 50 years, experienced in the US, London, European, Australian and Bermuda markets. In 1990 he formed a Lloyds Broker where he was the major shareholder. The Lloyd’s broker originally started out handling predominately Marine Reinsurance; however, the company quickly developed into a multi-class broking house handling Property, Aviation (airline and GA) as well as Marine. In 2003, the company was acquired by HRH, a large US broker at the time. John remained a director of the company until his departure in December 2007. Somerset Holdings Ltd was formed in 2008 and approved by the BMA during late 2008. John has a wide knowledge of most of the P & C classes including Marine, Aviation, Property and casualty businesses. 

+44 (1) 535 1285
(913) 228-1778 ext. 2
+44 (0) 7966528040
brooks@somersetbm.com

Michael Brooks

Michael has worked in insurance and reinsurance for 20+ years both in London and Sydney gaining experience in the US, London, European, Australian and Bermuda markets. He specializes in designing coverages for different types and size of reinsurance companies dealing with a wide range of classes of business. 

(913) 228-1778 ext. 1
+44 (0) 7534520098
michaelb@somersetbm.com

Rich Shepherd

Rich has partnered with the insurance industry for over 25+ years. He was instrumental in opening Somerset’s first North American operation in Kansas City. He is a Chiefs and Tigers fan at heart and resides in Liberty, MO.

(816) 868-9429
rshepherd@somersetbm.com

Charlie Griffiths

Charlie joined the Somerset team in 2022 as Chief Actuary, Charlie's primary role will be analysis and pricing of structured reinsurance products for the whole Somerset organization. Charlie brings a wealth of experience and great knowledge of the international insurance and reinsurance markets.

Prior to Somerset, Charlie founded Mercury Capital Ltd, a Catastrophe Fund Investment Manager that specialized in Industry Loss Warranties (ILW).

Charlie was Chief Actuary at Whittington Capital Management (WCM), a Lloyd’s Managing Agency. Previously he held actuarial roles in the London and Lloyd's markets at Navigators, Wellington and Dion Durrell & Associates.  

Charlie took a first-class degree in Mathematics from Bristol University.

+44 (0) 7801 931666
cg@somersetbm.com


Our History

Founded by John Brooks, Somerset Holdings Ltd (SHL) is a Bermuda based reinsurance intermediary, regulated by the Bermuda Money Authority (BMA).

SHL’s position as an independent intermediary domiciled in Bermuda places it on the doorstep of the most dynamic reinsurance marketplace in the world. Our relationships with intermediaries and underwriters in the key insurance markets of the UK and United States give us extensive reach and breadth.

Somerset Holdings Ltd was formed in 2008 and was approved by the BMA the same year. 

Michael Brooks joined the Somerset team in 2010 after 15+ years in the Lloyds and Sydney market.

In 2018 Somerset expanded into North America with the hiring of Rich Shepherd. We have opened up an office in Kansas City Missouri to serve our midwest clients,

Somerset quickly developed into a multiclass brokering house handling property aviation (airline and GA) as well as marine.

Somerset has set out to offer an alternative option, based on service and a personal approach of conducting business with clients and underwriters alike.

Since then we have gone on to extend the type of business we handle, to include International Agriculture, Weather and Cyber. In 2020, we opened our Missouri office to serve Midwest clients.
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