A top island insurance executive has died suddenly in the United States.

Alan Peacock, CEO and president of Colonial Group International Ltd., died on Monday aged 69 after he suffered an apparent heart attack in Miami.

Grant Gibbons, chairman of Colonial, said that Mr Peacock had provided “strong and consistent leadership” to the group of companies for more than four decades.

Dr Gibbons said: “After he joined Colonial Insurance in 1974, Colonial grew from a small domestic motor insurer to one of the region’s largest insurance and financial services providers.

Dr Gibbons added Mr Peacock set the “highest standards and values” and “significantly” contributed to the success of the company.

He said: “We will miss Alan immensely as a colleague, a leader and a friend.

“Alan was very much an unsung hero in Bermuda. He shunned the limelight and any publicity, but he was a huge supporter of the local community, especially football.

“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Alan’s family in this very difficult time.”

The company announced in June that Mr Peacock would retire next year.

Naz Farrow, the current COO, has assumed the role of acting CEO.

Mr Peacock is survived by wife Esther, and son Jonathan.