Respected Captive International publisher retires
Long-time publisher of Captive International Robin Johnson has retired from the publication after building it up into one of the industry’s most respected voices over more than a decade.
Commercial manager David Ryan will step up to lead the commercial side of the publication after Johnson officially finished work on December 31. The editorial side will continue to be led by editor Marc Jones supported by the wider team including offshore editor Bill Zuill.
Johnson spent 13 years at Captive International and its parent company Newton Media after a career in advertising and publishing.
“Robin was incredibly dedicated to his product,” said Wyn Jenkins, publications director, Newton Media. “People in the captive insurance market really love him.
“His hard work at building a network of people in the captive insurance sector shone through every day and was the basis for the growth of the publication.”
Newton Media founder and director Nik Lipinski agreed: “Robin could take something and deliver it and never let us down. When things were tough, he battened down and got the work done.
“He was determined to do his best for the company.
“The last few years have been the best for Captive International. He has left the Captives product in a very good position.”
Pete Scott, managing director of Newton Media, added: “I enjoyed working with Robin immensely, and wish him a long and happy retirement. His nous and knowledge were inspirational and will inform the future of Captive International for a long time to come.”
In a moving retirement speech, Johnson agreed that Captive International had done well in recent years, adding: “Captive International will be in good hands with Dave Ryan. He is also always looking to improve. You cannot expect your customers to be passionate about your product if you are not.”
A recent highlight was a FORTY Under 40 publication in 2023, designed to highlight up and coming talent in the industry, which enjoyed extraordinary success in the market.
Johnson added: “It has been a truly remarkable time in my working life. The progress we've made over the years, the presence we hold in the sector, and the development and implementation of new products to widen our scope have been hard but enjoyable work.”
Of the captive industry, he said: “I have met so many wonderful people who are responsible for driving this sector in such a professional manner. I have struck up close relationships with countless people - you've made working with the sector so pleasurable and helped create endless enjoyment in my role.”
Johnson emphasised that tenacity was key to success in the job.
“It is important to have a never say die attitude and if something does not work out, to try a different angle. You can get a large amount of success by doing that.”
