ABIR Course & Lecture Series

Bermuda College Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs,
Dr. Curtis-Tweed

President & CEO of ABIR,
Mr. John Huff
Whether you’ve been familiar with the industry for years, have a rudimentary understanding of it, or are a curious novice, the world of insurance is an exciting and dynamic industry to consider as a career. It continues to evolve, and faces a demanding future despite its operational and financial resilience. With so many local and international insurance and reinsurance companies in Bermuda, Bermuda College is proud to partner with St. John’s University, and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) to offer this uniquely relevant and timely online series of lectures to the local community.
How do I register?
Click here to register for any one of the webinars between January 16th - April 24th.
What is so special about this course?
This course is foundational to an internship programme sponsored by ABIR which provides eligible students with scholarships to complete their bachelor’s degree at St John’s University.
What is the format of the course?
The course will be remote/online using Zoom.
What will I need to take the course?
You will need access to a computer with a camera and microphone.
When is the course?
The 14-week course will be held every Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning January 16.
Do I have to be a Bermuda College student to attend the lecture?
No, the lectures are open and free of charge to the community courtesy of ABIR.
For further information?
For more information contact Craig Simmons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Course Schedule
Class 1: January 16
Topic: Introduction to course: Roundtable discussion on Socio-economic impact of international business in Bermuda
Speakers: Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt JP, MP
Pina Albo, ABIR Chair and CEP, Hamilton Group
Craig Simmons, Bermuda College
Class 2: January 23
Topic: The evolution of international insurance in Bermuda (Captive & Commercial Market)
Speaker: Catherine Duffy, American International Group & Author, Held Captive: A History of International Insurance in Bermuda
Class 3: January 30
Topic: Trends in Reinsurance related to Climate, Catastrophe, and more
Speaker: John Huff, CEO, ABIR
Class 4: February 6
Topic: International Re/Insurance in Bermuda
Speaker: Sirius Point
Class 5: February 13
Topic: Underwriting Cycle (in Catastrophe Reinsurance)
Issues in Underwriting: Adverse Selection and Underwriting Cycle
Speaker: Mark Browne, Professor & Faculty Chair, Maurice R. Greenberg, School of Risk Management, Insurance & Actuarial Science, St. John's University
Class 6: February 20
Topic: Captive Insurance
Speakers: Grianne Richmond, Executive Vice President - Head of Captives, Aon
Timae Flood - Assistant Director, Insurance Supervision, Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA)
Class 7: February 27
Topic: Life insurance and annuities
Speaker: Chantal Cardinez, CEO, Hannover Re
Mid-semester break: March 6 - 10
Class 8: March 13
Topic: Collateralised Reinsurance
Speaker: Andrew Hughes, CEO, Third Party Capital, PartnerRe
Class 9: March 20
Topic: The Role of Regulation in Insurance: BMA
Speaker: Gerald Gakundi - Director, Insurance Supervision, BMA
Class 10: March 27
Topic: Reinsurance and Climate Change
Speakers: Crait Tillman, President, RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences,
Angela A'Zary, SVP, Client Risk Analytics, RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences
Class 11: April 3
Topic: Panel discussion: Diversity & Inclusion in Re/insurance
Speakers: Judy Gonsalves - Vice President, Chubb Group and Division President, Chubb Bermuda.
Jevon Williams, General Counsel, Chubb Bermuda
Class 12: April 10
Topic: Cyber Risk
Speakers: Devin Page - SVP Casualty/Specialty, Ascot Group
Jesse DeCouto - Chief Underwriting Officer. Validus Re
Class 13: April 17
Topic: Runoff Insurance
Speakers: Dennis Mathagu, FSA, CERA, MBA - AVP, Corporate Development, Fortitude Re
Esther Polevoy, VP, Life & Annuity Risk, Fortitude Re
Nelson Lee, SVP, Chief Actuary, Property & Casualty Fortitude Re
Class 14: April 24
Topic: Insurance Careers, Utilizing LinkedIn and other Social Media
Speakers: Jodi Queen-Hubert, Director, The Ellen Thrower Center for Apprenticeship and Career Service,
School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science, St. Johon's University
Vicki Wells, Assistant Director, The Ellen Thrower Center for Apprenticeship and Career Service,
School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science, St. John's University