Tannock Inducted into Business Hall of Fame
Patrick D. Tannock has become the first Bermudian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business.
Mr Tannock, President of XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd [XLIB], was selected from more than 18,000 alumni of the Barney School of Business. In addition to being a graduate of the school, the criteria for this honor include: promoting global awareness, fostering social responsibility and demonstrating leadership in the business aspects of the inductee’s field.
In commemoration of Mr. Tannock’s induction into the Barney School of Business’ Hall of Fame, a scholarship in his name was awarded to Bermudian Chioke Lodge, a graduate student at the school.
Mr. Tannock has more than 25 years of experience in the Bermuda market and the international insurance and reinsurance industry, including approximately 10 years with Marsh & McLennan and 16 years with ACE Bermuda.
He joined XL a year ago and manages its day-to-day Bermuda insurance operations. In addition to this, he is responsible for strategic direction, underwriting profitability, and leadership of XLIB business lines. He is also a trustee of the XL Foundation, XL’s philanthropic unit.
In addition to his role at XL, Mr. Tannock is Vice Chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC), and a member of the Financial Intelligence Agency Board, and the Bermuda Government Board of Education.
It was standing room only as some 100 members of the University of Hartford’s administration, faculty, and students attended the induction ceremony held on January 26th at the 1877 Club in Hartford, Connecticut. The guests included Mr. Tannock’s wife Chaquita, his father Davis Tannock, his younger son Kumari and several XL Insurance colleagues.
During the ceremony, Mr. Tannock directed his comments to the students. He emphasized the importance of a life-long commitment to education as well as acquiring the proper skill sets, networking, and taking responsibility for one’s choices as critical to materially enhancing chances of success in a chosen field.
Mr. Tannock also encouraged the students to give freely of their time and skills to enhance the communities in which they work and live.
Describing the genesis of his own career path, Mr. Tannock said: “My goal when I left Bermuda for university some 30 years ago was to be one of the new generation of young qualified Bermudians who would diligently strive to develop Bermuda into a major financial centre. My mission was to acquire the right skill sets that would allow me to participate in the industry.
“Upon successful completion of my studies, I expected that I would quickly secure a job in Bermuda’s fledgling international insurance industry. It didn’t happen! I struggled to get a job and ended up mopping up floors for almost a year at Bermuda’s King Edward VII Memorial Hospital before I successfully landed a job in international business. However, I made use of the time by continuing to study and beating the pavement to explore career opportunities.”
“I share this story because there are parallels between the recession of the early eighties and the position that we find ourselves in today. Some of you despite having an excellent academic pedigree will find it challenging to secure that job or career that you aspire straight out of school. You don’t always get your dream job right away but the message is don’t give up! Stay positive – no one is attracted to negativity – be tenacious and persevere. It might take a while, but it will happen.”
Mr. Tannock recalled: “We had our challenges in that there were perceptions that native Bermudians were lazy and did not have the mental aptitude to even participate in international business. We worked twice as hard to dispel that perception and I am encouraged by the increasing number of Bermudians who have launched successful careers in international business.”
“Today, Bermuda is a major financial center,” he proudly noted, “and I would like to think that I have been a part of that process and have made and continue to contribute to its success”.
could not happen to a nicer guy..well deserved….good on you Patrick
Congratulations Mr. Tannock. May you continue to stride forward and provide a future for those who walk in your footsteps… Job well done!
A good example of how a bermudian can play a major role in IB. Bermudian who are currently in IB can use Mr. Tannock as an example if they apply themselves to the highest degree good things can happen
What a wonderful example and role model for young male black Bermudians. Well done, Mr. Tannock. Well done!
Ditto!
Patrick is a wonderful role model to all people. Congratulations Patrick
I am so proud of my brother and for those on the outside looking in, it may have seemed easy & simple but he worked very hard to get where he is, no one handed him anything. The message behind it for our black men and our men in general, is that you can do it too! You dont start at the top as is evidenced by him working @ the hospital (mopping floor no doubt). You start at the bottom and work your way up!! No one is going to give you anything, you have fight & struggle to get it!! You CAN do it!!
Patrick is the key reason for my entering the insurance industry, he took me under his wing and guided my early career with Marsh. I will alwasy be grateful for the time he took to make certain I knew the industry.
Today I own an insurance brokerage operation in the Bahamas and I give Patrick a great deal of credit for my success because he believed in me and gave me the guidance I needed. This gave me the confidence that I have today with regard to insurance.
Patrick is definitely a mentor to me and he is to be highly commended for his accomplishments.
Not bad for a “bye” from Khyber Pass! I am honored to call him friend. Congrats Pat!
Patrick, Congratulation. Keep up the good work and i ditto Richards.
What a great article. Congratulations to Mr. Patrick Tannock. He is an excellent and inspiring role model for young Bermudians.It just proves that hard work and perserverance, a belief in oneself will lead to individual success!
Yup that’s my oldest brother very successful and still looking good Mr.P. Tannock has always been my hero I love you big brother continued success in the future. ditto on Richards and pulley’s comments
The Patrick Tannocks of Bermuda, & there are many quietly working away not looking for any special recognition, prove that the with the right education, dedication & attitude, there is no limt of opportunities for Bermudians despite all the boo hoo stories & ‘they’ won’t hire me because I am black excuses.
Congratulations Patrick.