Leslie Robinson to Receive 2025 Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award

The Bermuda Captive Conference will posthumously honor Leslie Robinson with the 2025 Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her profound influence on Bermuda's captive insurance sector and her leadership during transformative industry moments.

Ms. Robinson, who passed away in 2023, served as chair of the Bermuda Captive Conference from 2020 to 2022. She helped guide the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading its successful transition to virtual and hybrid formats. Her efforts ensured that Bermuda remained prominent in the global insurance arena despite widespread disruption.

Photo of Leslie Robinson courtesy of Bermuda Captive Network

She was also a founding strategic director of the Bermuda Captive Network in 2021. In this role, she helped shape the group's mission, broadened its reach, and emphasized mentorship and inclusion within the captive insurance community. Her efforts were instrumental in strengthening Bermuda's voice in the global captive sector.

"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 Jason Hayward, minister of economy and labor.

Ms. Robinson's career included a leadership role at Willis Towers Watson Bermuda and numerous speaking engagements at global industry forums. Her advocacy efforts helped cement Bermuda's reputation as a leading captive insurance domicile. She also served as a senator in Bermuda's Upper House after being appointed in 2022, where she promoted equity and systemic reform.

A committed mentor, Ms. Robinson supported youth programs and women's leadership initiatives, including serving as one of the first women to train with WeSpeak Bermuda. She coached young professionals and regularly contributed to public speaking and professional development events.

The Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the originator of the captive insurance concept in 1962, recognizes individuals who have significantly shaped Bermuda's insurance landscape. Previous recipients include Bala Nadarajah, Eduardo Fox, Cyril Whitter, Catherine Duffy, Jeremy Cox, Brian R. Hall, Michael Burns, and Jill Husbands.

The 2025 award will be presented during the opening session of the Bermuda Captive Conference on June 10 at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club. Accepting the award on Ms. Robinson's behalf will be her spiritual daughter, Kelechi Jones, along with Che' Clarke and Scott Clarke, two of the young professionals she mentored.