Insurance giant Chubb has appointed a new Bermudian graduate trainee.

Denzel Simons, an economics graduate from Florida International University, has joined the excess liability department on the two year programme, designed to provide recent graduates with professional careers and insurance qualifications.

Mr Simons, 22, from Southampton, was a summer student at what was then Ace in 2010 and an intern on the Chubb Select scheme two years ago before doing an internship last year.

He said: “This achievement would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my mentors and colleagues at Chubb.”

Mr Simons, a former Saltus Grammar pupil, also completed the two-week Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies introduction to insurance course in 2015.

He has also gained associate in general insurance status, several associate in fidelity and surety bonding qualifications and is working towards chartered property and casualty underwriter status.

Mr Simons said: “I encourage all students with an interest in insurance to apply for early career development programmes as they have proven invaluable for me and I am excited to see what my future will hold.”

Chubb yesterday also announced the six students picked for this year’s internships.

They are Alex Alverra, Zachary Friesen, Francis Laing, Sarah Pedro, Carmela Robinson and Peter Webb.

The students will get ten weeks of training at Chubb and they will be introduced to various aspects of the insurance industry.

Judy Gonsalves, chief underwriting officer at Chubb Bermuda, said: “Chubb is committed to providing opportunities to young Bermudians who are pursuing careers in the insurance industry.

“Our graduate trainee programme and Chubb Select internship were designed specifically to identify and cultivate the talent required of our future industry leaders.

“This year’s graduate trainee Denzel Simons has proven himself a role model and I have no doubt that his hard work and dedication will lead him to a successful and rewarding career.

“We welcome our new Chubb Select interns. They are an impressive group of high-calibre, talented young Bermudians and we look forward to working with them over the summer.”

A total of 12 Chubb employees in Bermuda and the US got their start in the industry through one of the firm’s early career development programmes.