Tributes paid to one of Bermuda’s leading captive insurance advocates after her sudden passing
Leslie Robinson, one of Bermuda’s leading advocates for captive insurance, has passed away.
Robinson spent over 33 years in Bermuda’s financial services sector, including 22 years in captive management and broking and 11 years as a financial services regulator.
She had most recently been working as senior vice president – head of underwriting and claims in WTW’s Bermuda office, which she joined in 2018.
Robinson was a very popular figure in Bermuda’s captive insurance community and a regular speaker at events. She spoke as recently as September at the Bermuda Captive Conference.
The Bermuda Captive Network described Robinson as “a beloved member of our community and a true champion for the Bermuda captive industry” and that her unexpected passing “leaves a deep and profound sense of loss that is felt across the industry, by her colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to know her.”
She was a former Bermuda Captive Conference Chair, and the network added that she was a proud ambassador for the jurisdiction whose influence and dedication extended well beyond her role.
Grainne Richmond, executive vice president – head of captives at Aon and president of the Bermuda Captive Network commented: “Leslie’s unwavering commitment to Bermuda’s captive industry and her passionate advocacy set a standard of excellence and integrity that will be sorely missed.
“Her contributions were instrumental in shaping our organization and advancing Bermuda’s position as a leading captive insurance jurisdiction. Her dedication, professionalism, and warmth were immeasurable and felt by all who worked with her in Bermuda and overseas.”
Bermuda government tribute
In addition to her accomplishments in the world of captive insurance, Robinson also was a Bermuda government senator.
In a statement, the country’s premier, David Burt, expressed his sadness at the news of Robinson’s passing.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy which has shocked so many of us to the very core. Bermuda has lost an eminently qualified professional woman who had chosen public service in addition to a busy career in the private sector,” he said.
“Leslie answered the call to serve without hesitation, and this exemplified her selfless nature and commitment to this community. It is heartbreaking to now mourn her loss, and I express sincere condolences to her family at this truly difficult time.”
Captive career
Robinson began her career in captive management in 1989 with Johnson & Higgins (Bermuda) Limited, before moving to J&H Intermediaries in 1994, where she was employed as an insurance broker and specialised in casualty & D&O lines of cover.
Her work experience in the years that followed included senior underwriting and management positions at several captive management and broking firms in Bermuda, including JLT Risk Solutions, where she held the position of partner – manager of underwriting & claims.
In 2005 she joined Ariel Reinsurance as vice president and head of technical underwriting services and in 2007 she joined the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) as assistant director – licensing & authorisations. In 2018 she then joined WTW.
In a statement, the Bermuda Captive Network added: “Bermuda’s captive industry has been shaken by this tremendous loss. Leslie’s absence will be felt in a deep and visceral way throughout Bermuda, alongside the Bermuda Captive Network’s membership and beyond.
“She was more than a colleague – she was an ally, a friend and an inspiring leader. Our thoughts are with her family, her colleagues at WTW, her church community, and everyone across the industry who had the privilege of working alongside her.”
