Captive industry trailblazer Leslie Robinson was posthumously awarded the highest accolade in the Bermuda captive industry.

The Bermuda Captive Network awarded Ms Robinson the Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award on the second day of the Bermuda Captive Conference at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Ms Robinson, a captive manager, former regulator and senator, died last October at the age of 57.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said Ms Robinson was an ambassador for the industry.

“Often I would be standing here giving a speech and she would be sitting near by nodding in encouragement, when everyone else was just staring at me,” Mr Hayward said.

The award recognises individuals whose enduring leadership, vision and contributions shaped the development and global standing of Bermuda’s captive insurance industry.

At the conference she was called a trailblazer with a deep understanding of regulation.

She was also a mentor to many people, making it her mission to bring more young people, particularly Bermudians, into the industry.

Paul Bailie, head of Offshore Americas Insurance Management at Willis Towers Watson, first worked with Ms Robinson in 1989 when she was a graduate trainee at Johnson & Higgins Bermuda.

“We were also working together at WTW in October 2024, when she was so tragically taken from us, far too soon,” Mr Bailie said. “In the intervening years, we worked together several times, at four or five different companies.”

Mr Bailie said she was always laser-focused on giving back and helping others to succeed.

“There are numerous people in our business today who owe a huge amount to Leslie and for her wise mentorship and advice,” he said.

He said Ms Robinson was a tireless fighter for the success of the captive industry in Bermuda.

Her good friend, Cathy Duffy, a former AIG country leader Bermuda, said via a recorded message that it was Ms Robinson who presented her with the Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement award in 2021.

“We spent hours reflecting on life and where we saw ourselves going,” Ms Duffy said. “We discussed how tomorrow is promised to no one. That is why we must live life to the fullest and receive our flowers while we are still here.”

Ms Duffy said Ms Robinson’s memory is still inspiring her today.

“Leslie, I know you are smiling from wherever you are while receiving this award,” Ms Duffy said. “Well done, and it is well deserved, my friend. May your legacy continue to touch lives.”

Family members of Ms Robinson accepted the award in her place.