Leslie Robinson posthumously granted 2025 Fred Reiss award
The Bermuda Captive Conference (BCC) has announced that the late Leslie Robinson (pictured) will be posthumously awarded the 2025 Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her outstanding service and enduring impact on Bermuda’s captive insurance industry.
The BCC said that Robinson was more than a respected industry professional—she was a tireless advocate, mentor, and leader whose contributions helped shape the jurisdiction’s reputation on the global stage. A former chair of the Bermuda Captive Conference and an integral member of the Bermuda Captive Network, Robinson was a passionate ambassador for the island’s risk sector and a champion for inclusion, education, and industry advancement. She passed away in October of last year [https://www.captiveinternational.com/former-bermuda-captive-network-chair-passes-away].
In a statement the BCC said: “Her leadership through pivotal moments in the industry cannot be overstated. As chair of the Bermuda Captive Conference from 2020 to 2022, Leslie guided the organisation through one of its most challenging periods during the pandemic. Under her stewardship, the conference successfully transitioned into a virtual, then hybrid model, helping maintain Bermuda’s visibility and momentum in the international marketplace while fostering meaningful dialogue and connection among industry participants.
“Leslie was also one of the founding strategic directors of the Bermuda Captive Network when it launched in 2021, playing a key role in shaping the structure, vision, and values of the organisation. Her focus on broadening the Network’s reach, fostering mentorship opportunities, and elevating Bermuda’s captive voice both locally and abroad made her an indispensable part of its early success.”
Throughout her career, Robinson was deeply committed to promoting Bermuda as a leading domicile for captive insurance. She represented the jurisdiction at global industry events and international business forums, where her knowledge, professionalism, and personal warmth left a lasting impression. Whether speaking on panels, mentoring young professionals, or engaging with international stakeholders, Robinson consistently advanced the narrative of Bermuda’s strength, stability, and innovation as a captive insurance hub.
“Leslie’s loss continues to be felt deeply by all who knew her,” said Séadna Kirwan, Bermuda Captive Conference Chair. “She was a unifying force in our community and a leader in every sense of the word. Her contributions to the captive industry – and to Bermuda’s professional and civic life were extraordinary. We are honoured to celebrate her legacy through this award.”
“Senator Robinson was larger than life and a true champion of the captive insurance industry. Her contributions are legendary, and it is deeply appreciated that Senator Robinson’s illustrious legacy is being remembered in this way,” said the Honourable Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour.
The award, named after Fred Reiss, the visionary who pioneered the captive insurance concept in 1962, recognises individuals whose work has left a lasting mark on Bermuda’s insurance landscape. Since its inception, the honour has been bestowed on figures who have shaped the evolution of the jurisdiction, including Bala Nadarajah, Eduardo Fox, Cyril Whitter, Cathy Duffy, Jeremy Cox, Brian R. Hall, Michael Burns and Jill Husbands.
A veteran of the insurance and financial services industry, Robinson brought a unique combination of deep technical knowledge and unrelenting passion to every role she held. She served as Director at WTW Bermuda, where her influence extended across global networks, and her leadership within the Bermuda Captive Network played a pivotal role in elevating the organisation’s visibility and strategic focus.
Beyond her professional achievements, Robinson served as a Senator in Bermuda’s Upper House, appointed by Premier David Burt in 2022. She used her platform to advocate for equity, opportunity, and systemic change—causes that mirrored her values in the business world.
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