The Mid Ocean Club has become the first business in Bermuda — and the first golf club in the world — to achieve the Investors in People Platinum Standard, the highest level of global recognition for excellence in people management.

One staff member empowered by his role at the club, home to one of the world’s Top 100 golf courses, is Kaleyo James, a greenkeeper who completed training at Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School in New Jersey. He called his first term at the school “both a rewarding and eye-opening experience – and one that I am deeply grateful for”.

He added: “I embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, and I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my personal and professional development.”

The private members club, which employs nearly 100 staff, joins an elite group of organisations worldwide to earn the coveted designation. It follows the club’s 2022 win as IIP Overseas Employer of the Year.

General manager and chief executive Austen Gravestock said the achievement reflected the club’s long-term investment in developing local talent.

“We believe our greatest investment is in our people — and that includes a strong commitment to the long-term development of local talent here in Bermuda,” Mr Gravestock said. “To be awarded Platinum Standard affirms that Mid Ocean Club is truly world-class.”

Barbara Dill became human resources manager last year after joining as an HR associate in 2022.

“Working at Mid Ocean Club has been incredibly rewarding,” Ms Dill said. “I’ve grown both personally and professionally, surrounded by a team that truly values development.”

Meanwhile, repair and maintenance officer, Kenneth Hunt, originally hired as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician, now oversees a broader range of maintenance operations and even cofounded a staff book club focused on emotional intelligence.

“Joining the Mid Ocean Club team has been both a personal and professional milestone for me,” he said. “I am grateful to be part of a culture that genuinely values emotional intelligence, community and respect.”

The IIP assessor praised the club for its maturity and evolution over the past three years, the cohesion brought by recent leadership changes, and a diverse workforce representing 15 nationalities. Staff cited strong trust and confidence in management, as well as a growing focus on sustainability as the club embarks on a major refurbishment of its iconic clubhouse.

The Platinum accreditation came after a detailed 542-page submission and on-site assessment involving employee interviews.

For restaurant manager Domingo Lobo, the club’s commitment to people development has been life-changing. Joining in 2020 as a silver-service waiter, he rose quickly through the ranks to supervisor and then restaurant manager, which he credits to the club’s teamwork and mentorship.

“What we’ve created here is more than just a culinary operation — it’s a family,” he said. “Working at Mid Ocean Club every day is like my first day. I’m always excited to come to work and I enjoy seeing my colleagues. This club always sets up its employees for greatness.”

Assistant general manager in training Dimitri Frias said the recognition highlights the club’s people-first philosophy.

“Our success comes from our people — recruiting, developing and supporting platinum people who make up our Mid Ocean family,” he said.