BII Hosts Annual Industry Awards Event
The Bermuda Insurance Institute [BII] held its 16th annual Insurance Industry Awards event on May 15, 2014 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.
The following persons were added to the cadre of distinguished winners: Robin Spencer-Arscott, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Julia Henderson, who received the Young Industry Leader of the Year Award, and Catlin Insurance Company Limited, who received the Corporate Social Responsibility Award.
Chairman of the BII Chris Fisher was the Master of Ceremony for the event. In his opening remarks, he told the audience of the BII strategy to enhance its services to the industry, which included providing an environment that is designed to support the needs of adult learners. He thanked those companies and individuals who have donated to the BII’s new premises and encouraged others to provide financial support to offset the cost of constructing the new facility.
Robin Spencer-Arscott was honoured with a video tribute from colleagues, peers, friends, and family. In addition to personal tributes, the video highlighted Mr. Spencer-Arscott’s 50 years of service to the industry and his efforts to ensure that Bermuda was and continues to be promoted overseas.
Mr. Spencer-Arscott told the audience that his years at AIG were extremely valuable due to the underwriting training he received there. He said that after he joined the Blades Group in the early 1970s, he furthered his underwriting expertise by being exposed to the Lloyds and London company markets. This also enabled him to travel to the RIMS conferences and the Monte Carlo annual reinsurance events.
These platforms afforded him the opportunity to begin promoting Bermuda as a number one offshore domicile. His role with Frank B. Hall Bermuda as President and CEO, as well as his role as Chairman and CEO of Aon Bermuda, gave him even higher visibility in the Bermuda market and assisted him tremendously with his marketing efforts.
Working with Suzie Pewter of the Whitfield Group was extremely rewarding; together they developed the Word Insurance Forum, which focused an even brighter spotlight on the island.
Graeme Henderson accepted the Young Industry Leader of the Year award on behalf of his wife, Julia Henderson. He commended Julia for her work in the reinsurance industry and said, “There are many people Julia would like to thank who have helped her in her career along the way, but the list would be too long to mention everyone. However, there are three people who have stood out in their capacity as mentors.
“They are Jay Nichols, whom she worked for at RenRe Ventures, Jon Paradine, who she worked closely with on the RenRe underwriting floor, and Brian Secrett, who she recently reported to at Partner Re before moving to the new Brit Bermuda office.”
He told everyone that Julia’s door at Brit is always open and that she is keen to engage with anyone in the industry to discuss anything from products and strategies to career paths.
Graham Pewter, CEO of Catlin Insurance Company Limited, accepted the award on behalf of his company. Mr. Pewter, in accepting the award, said what an honour it was for the company to receive this recognition from the industry. He said that Catlin takes its corporate social responsibilities very seriously and has built up strong and enduring relationships with a large number of non-profit organizations on the island, all of whom provide critically important services to the community.
Brian Duperreault, CEO of Hamilton Insurance Group, gave the key note address. He shared his perspective on the economic landscape, the way that the insurance industry has used innovation, and his insights regarding the way forward for Bermuda.
During her closing remarks, CEO of the BII Dr. Dawnnelle Walker provided a quote by M. Stepanek, saying, “Unity is strength – when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”
She went on to say, “The BII is a team effort; our staff, the many volunteers, our Council, and our Education Committee are progressively moving the Bermuda Insurance Institute forward, achieving wonderful things.”
