ACRE & WTW: “Preparing For A Career Shift”
The Association for Corporate Racial Equity [ACRE] and WTW Bermuda hosted an event to “welcome interested individuals seeking career opportunities in Bermuda’s re/insurance sector.”
A spokesperson said, “The Association for Corporate Racial Equity [ACRE] was formed in 2022, in response to the historic and present underrepresentation of Black individuals in international business throughout Bermuda. In its second year of operation, ACRE continues to fulfill its mandate of advocating to industry leaders, building and cultivating a professional community, providing a pipeline of eager and well-qualified talent, and bridging the recruitment gap.
Leaders
“On May 11, 2023, ACRE partnered with WTW Bermuda to welcome interested individuals seeking career opportunities in Bermuda’s re/insurance sector.”
Jasmine DeSilva, Head of Community for ACRE, and Executive of the Board, shared: “One of ACRE’s key mandates is to highlight the diverse and available pipeline of talented Bermudians. We are delighted to have brought together more than 100 aspiring and seasoned professionals to discuss and consider relevant opportunities. The event aimed to educate, inform, and provide key connections to assist attendees looking to take a major step in their career journey within our dynamic industry.”
A spokesperson added, “The format consisted of a panel discussion, promoting transferrable skills and how to utilize them, along with the various re/insurance sector opportunities currently available throughout the market. Talented individuals showcased detailed testimonials about their transitions into the industry to inspire attendees, along with sharing their respective journeys with event participants.
“There were also breakout roundtable discussions, which were organized with a host of industry leaders to provide deep, engaging insights, answer questions from attendees, and highlight the specifics that hiring managers are looking for from potential candidates. Towards the end of the event, a networking reception enabled further discussions and relationship-building, in addition to providing attendees with the opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, positioning themselves to take advantage of possible career openings.”
Deshay Caines – Marsh McLennan, Marlon Williams – Hiscox Re & ILS, Leah Dean – Counduit International Limited, Giles Harlow – Aon, Leone Charles – Britt Insurance
Noel Pearman, Co-founder of ACRE, added, “We are delighted to facilitate this space with a leading distribution partner in our industry, WTW, and present an extensive line of industry executives to participate in these discussions. As we continue the conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, these actionable initiatives can yield new opportunities for many young and existing professionals looking to transfer some of their skills to this exciting industry.”
Kirsten Beasley, Head of the Bermuda Office, WTW, added, “We are honoured to partner with ACRE on this important initiative. There is an abundance of untapped talent on Bermuda’s shores; underutilized, not because of lack of talent or drive, but due to their lack of access and too few networking opportunities within the industry.
“WTW and ACRE are looking to reduce those barriers for talented and experienced professionals to the benefit of everyone. I am also grateful for the support from Wendy Percy, Head of HR for WTW Bermuda for her guidance, coordination, and advocacy for this event.”
ACRE Executive & WTW
Michael Chang, Head of CRB, North America, WTW, also commented, “I am in the fortunate position to participate in several DE & I initiatives because it is something that I am extremely passionate about.
“Having the opportunity to align with ACRE for this fantastic Bermuda inclusion event is a privilege, and I look forward to deepening our relationship with ACRE, while concurrently finding new and impactful ways to continue the diversity initiative for Black individuals from Bermuda. As a man of color in this exciting industry, I wish to inspire young and underrepresented folks to take advantage of opportunities for a long and successful career in the re/insurance industry.”
Industry leaders who participated in this forum included: Kirsten Beasley, Head of Office [WTW]; Noel Pearman, Co-Founder, ACRE, and SVP, Cyber Product Line Leader [AXA XL]; Jasmine DeSilva [Artex] SVP Head of Business Development and Strategy and Head of Community, ACRE, Deshay Caines, VP of Colleague Engagement [Marsh] and Head of Education, ACRE, Giles Harlow, Managing Director [AON], and Leah Dean [HR Exec/Executive Coach], Senior Advisor [Eliot Partnership], Judy Gonsalves [CHUBB Bermuda] Division President, Susan Pateras, Chair [Apollo Bermuda], Catherine Duffy, Country Leader of Bermuda [AIG], Bill Wharton, CEO [Argo Bermuda], Natasha Scotland, CEO [Athene Bermuda], Jevon Williams, General Counsel [CHUBB Bermuda], Kim Wilkerson, General Counsel [AXA-XL Bermuda], Phil Vandoninck, Reinsurance Executive and ex-CEO [Fidelis MGU Bermuda], Roman Romeo, Executive Managing Director [AON Bermuda], Chris Reeves, CEO, Marsh McLennan, Marlon Williams, Co-Chair ACRE and Senior Underwriter, Hiscox Re & ils.
ACRE has more than 500 members and continues to grow. To find out more about future events, resources, or mentorship, please contact: team@acrebermuda.com.
