Mid Ocean Club Earns IIP Platinum Standard
Mid Ocean Club has earned Investors in People [IIP] Platinum Standard, in recognition of its excellence in people management.
A spokesperson said, “Mid Ocean Club, the prestigious and internationally acclaimed private members’ golf club, has become the first business in Bermuda to achieve Investors in People [IIP] Platinum Standard, recognizing its excellence in people management.
“The club, which employs nearly 100 staff, has joined an elite group of companies and organizations globally to be awarded the sought after standard – and is the first golf club in the world to achieve Platinum status.
“It’s the latest accolade for Mid Ocean Club, which was named IIP Overseas Employer of the Year in 2022.”
Mid Ocean Club General Manager and Chief Executive Austen Gravestock said: “We believe our greatest investment is in our people – and that includes a strong commitment to the long-term development of local talent here in Bermuda. Our objective is to provide opportunities for everyone to grow, thrive and lead – and I’m super-proud of each and every one of our team here for everything we achieve together.
“To benchmark what we do as an organization against some of the leading companies in the world is a great tool – and to be awarded Platinum Standard affirms that Mid Ocean Club is truly world-class.”
The spokesperson said, “Within the Investors in People framework, Platinum Standard is the highest level, indicating a ‘high-performing’ organization.
“As part of the assessment process, the club – featuring a Golf Digest World Top 100 Golf Course – produced a 542-page submission report and surveys demonstrating how it had met a series of key indicators.
“An assessor then visited the club and spoke with employees, selected at random.
“The IIP assessor concluded Mid Ocean Club had demonstrated:
- Maturity and evolution of the organization over the past three years
- Recent leadership changes had brought innovation and cohesion across departments
- The diverse workforce, including 15 nationalities, fosters global perspectives and collaboration
- A strong sense of trust and confidence in the leadership has created a stable and progressive environment.
“The assessment also recognised that sustainability is an important focus, as the business embarks on a major clubhouse refurbishment as part of a long-term master plan to make club amenities ‘future-fit’.
“Assistant General Manager In-Training, Dimitri Frias, is one of the many staff who are benefiting from the club’s commitment to empowering people and investing in learning and leadership.”
He said: “Our success comes from our people – recruiting, developing and supporting platinum people who make up our Mid Ocean family. This is more than a golf club — it’s a community, a culture, and a catalyst for excellence.”
Employee Success Stories
Domingo Lobo, Restaurant Manager
The spokesperson said, “Domingo joined in 2020 as a food and beverage [F&B] Silver Service Waitperson, before being promoted to Supervisor and now Restaurant Manager. While developing skills and progressing his own career, he has built a tight-knit team culture within the restaurant team.”
Mr. Lobo said: “What we’ve created here is more than just a culinary operation – it’s a family. Working at Mid Ocean Club every day is like my first day. I’m always excited to come to work and I enjoy seeing my colleagues. This club always sets up its employees for greatness.”
Barbara Dill, Human Resources Manager
The spokesperson said, “Barbara joined Mid Ocean Club in 2022 as an HR Associate. Combining a professional qualification in human resource management [SHRM-certified] with empathetic and collaborative leadership, she was promoted to HR Manager in 2024.”
Ms. Dill said: “Working at Mid Ocean Club has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve grown both personally and professionally, surrounded by a team that truly values growth and development. What sets Mid Ocean Club apart is its people – we’re not just colleagues, we’re a family. There’s a genuine sense of care, collaboration and support that you feel every day. Being part of this journey and helping shape the future of the club alongside such passionate individuals is truly fulfilling. It’s more than just a job – it’s a place where you belong.”
Kaleyo James, Greenkeeper
The spokesperson said, “Kaleyo initially worked in the Golf Department at Mid Ocean Club, but soon showed an interest and aptitude for agronomy. The club supported him through a role change and education at the prestigious Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School in the United States.”
“My first term on the Professional Golf Turf Management Program was both a rewarding and eye-opening experience – and one that I am deeply grateful for,” said Mr. James. “I embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, and I can confidently say I was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my personal and professional development. I reflect on how fortunate I am to have been given this opportunity. I’m truly honored by the trust my club has placed in me by supporting my attendance at Rutgers. The club’s belief in my potential is something I do not take lightly, and I am committed to repaying that trust through dedication, hard work, and continued growth in this field.”
Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Hunt, Repair & Maintenance Officer
The spokesperson said, “Kenny joined as a technician focused on Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning [HVAC] and has now taken on wider responsibility as the club’s Repair & Maintenance Officer. Known for his positive energy and work ethic, Kenny co-launched a book club focused on emotional intelligence.”
Mr. Hunt said: “Joining the Mid Ocean Club team has been both a personal and professional milestone for me. From day one, my manager has been an intricate part of my upward journey not just with work, but also in life, and I value and appreciate our conversations and shared interests in these topics. I am grateful to be part of a culture that genuinely values emotional intelligence, community, and respect — not simply as ideals, but as daily practices.”
