This year’s Rising Stars is a remarkable group of up-and-comers with immense passion and an unwavering desire for success. They are dedicated and ardent and together they prove that Bermuda’s future shines bright.

  • Aldon Campbell
  • Age: 24
  • Industry: Financial Services Banking
  • Employer: Clarien Bank Ltd.
  • Years Working: 2
  • Education: Bachelors of Commerce from Dalhousie University
  • What are you most grateful for?
  • I am grateful for the educational opportunities I have been afforded. I was selected to enroll in the Orbis Scholarship Programme which enabled me to attend Somersfield Academy and complete the IB Diploma at Bermuda High School. These schools redefined my perspective and educational goals.
  • Who at your company has helped you the most?
  • Simon Van de Weg, Chief Banking Officer at Clarien, has been a role model and mentor for me ever since I started at Clarien. He constantly offers words of wisdom and has been the motivational force in my career thus far. It has also been a privilege to experience the progression in his own career. 
  • What is your loftiest ambition?
  • Community has always been an important aspect of my life. As my career develops, I continue to focus on providing local community members with better access to financing and improving the financial literacy of disadvantaged individuals. Over time this should allow more people to meet their financial goals and increase investment in underdeveloped areas.
  • What do you do to unwind?
  • If I’m not playing sports, I’m watching or reading about them. Rugby, by far, is my favourite sport to play, but football is my favourite sport to watch. Huge Arsenal fan.
  • What’s the best part about working in your industry?
  • The greatest part about working in my industry is when your clients’ achievements become your own. Being able to see clients grow and achieve their goals has been a gratifying experience.
  • Amon Wedderburn
  • Age: 23
  • Industry: International Property Reinsurance 
  • Employer: Convex
  • Position: Trainee underwriter
  • Years working:  2 
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Risk Management & Insurance from St. John’s University
  • What motivates you to succeed?
  • I have always wanted to be a “library/web” amongst my colleagues and peer group. My goal is to accumulate enough knowledge about the industry and the work I am doing to give well-informed answers to any question or to have an effective solution to any work challenge thrown my way. This motivates me always to have my student hat on and to be willing to learn and determined to improve. I appreciate a work environment that keeps me on my toes, and I like feeling as though I am not the smartest in the room as this pushes me to broaden my knowledge.
  • Why did you choose to be a part of this industry?
  • I love being involved in the insurance/reinsurance/retrocession business as our work serves as the backbone of many industries. All Fortune 500 companies rely heavily on insurance cover of some sort or other, and my work in property reinsurance has given me invaluable insight into what is going on globally. Much of what is happening in the world impacts our industry. Right now, the big topic is inflation and how it will affect pricing, rate movement, reserving, etc., and this intrigues me.
  • What is the best part about working for Convex?
  • Convex has done an excellent job of creating an enjoyable work environment that encourages you to develop new ideas, test those ideas and then put them to use. The positive and constructive feedback I receive is perfect for my development and I am constantly appreciative of that. We also have lots of fun! Culture is everything.
  • Who at your company has helped you the most?
  • I think it would be unfair to single out any one person. I want to give credit to the whole Convex community because they have allowed me to learn from and work with them on various projects. Of course, I want to shout out my direct team (International Property Treaty), in particular Miles Brewer and Richard Slater for the wealth of knowledge they have shared with me, from pricing and rate changes to negotiation skills. I have learned a lot from the team and am looking forward to what is to come.
  • Cheresa Lemaire
  • Age: 29
  • Industry: Reinsurance
  • Employer: Hamilton Re
  • Position: Underwriter, Risk XS
  • Years working: 6
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts from McGill University
  • What is your loftiest ambition?
  • When I started my first job as a catastrophe modeller about six years ago, I would have thought that my loftiest ambition was to become the CEO of a Bermuda Class 4 reinsurance company.  Today, with the support of my family and network, I very much believe that this career goal could be achievable.  For now, perhaps a flight to space would be the pinnacle of my personal goals.  When I conquer an obstacle, I think “What’s next?” Please, ask me again in another six years.
  • Who is your biggest cheerleader/support system?
  • Mom and Dad, without a doubt.  They didn’t let anything get in the way of giving me an outstanding education. They encouraged me when I didn’t believe in myself; they pushed me when they knew I was capable of more.  They gave me a safe and loving environment to grow up in, and most of all, showed me that I was capable of anything I put my mind to.  I’m eternally grateful for their love and that I can share my successes with them today.
  • What advice would you give your younger self?
  • I would tell my younger self that everything I ever put my mind to, I achieved.  So just go for it! Have fun along the way, and never let anyone or anything stop you from dreaming BIG.  Your hard work will pay off.  You’re a natural storyteller and people are genuinely interested in what you have to say.  Be grateful and recognise those who helped you on your journey, but most importantly, always make time for family and enjoying life.  You can’t take material objects with you when your journey ends.
  • What’s the best part about working in your industry?
  • The relationships you make throughout your career…My colleagues at Hamilton Re come from different backgrounds and experiences, and I am so fortunate to learn from all these talented people. The reinsurance industry offers you the chance to travel, to network globally and share ideas in an ever-evolving landscape.
  • Katrina Simons
  • Age: 28
  • Industry: Insurance 
  • Employer: American International Reinsurance Company, Ltd
  • Position: Underwriter
  • Years working: 7
  • Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration
  • What motivates you to succeed?
  • Everyone’s definition of success is different. For me, success is a state of mind; it is a state of well-being and true happiness within. I have overcome a lot of adversity in my life which has altered my perception of what being successful really means. I lost both of my parents at a young age and this completely changed my life, but it also made me into the person I am today. I could not be more grateful for the foundation my parents provided for me, and the values they instilled in me from young. So what motivates me to succeed? Definitely making my parents proud. Knowing that deep down I am doing my best and that they are watching over me is all the motivation I need. If you are living your life to your fullest potential, you will always succeed.
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • Growing up I always knew AIG as the company on the front of my Manchester United jersey or the big building on the hill with all the Christmas lights. Now it means so much more. My Dad’s first-ever job was working for AIG in the mail room, and it was my first job out of college. I mean, who wouldn’t want AIG on their resume? The company is known for being a launch pad for careers. Overall, the best part would have to be my amazing team and the benefits that come from learning from a group of individuals who carry so much knowledge. In addition, the company has supported me in achieving my CPCU and ARe designations; the flexibility, understanding, and complete support from management is strongly valued and appreciated. I’m forever grateful as AIG has truly been good to me.
  • What advice would you give your younger self?
  • Always see the glass half full. Don’t be too hard on yourself; everything happens for a reason and what is meant to be, will be. It’s good to set clear goals and intentions but understand not everything will go as you’ve planned. Be spontaneous, adapt and ride the wave, but most importantly remain true to who you are.
  • What’s the best part about working in your industry?
  • I work in one of the biggest industries in the world, and a vital one at that. To me it is “the industry” everyone wants to work in. The insurance market in Bermuda is so unique and being a part of it is special.  Every day you learn something new, especially in the casualty space; it is unpredictable, and I love that! Being just around the corner from our broker partners makes building relationships that much easier, as well as facilitating our ability to support our clients. You really feel as though you’re a part of a bigger picture, and there are always opportunities in your domain.
  • Miles Cave
  • Age: 25
  • Industry: Consulting 
  • Employer: KPMG
  • Position: Actuarial Analyst
  • Years working: 3
  • Education: Bachelor’s in Mathematics with Actuarial Science from Queen Mary University of London
  • Why did you choose to be a part of this industry?
  • After graduating at 16 from high school, I did not initially pursue a career as an actuary. I enrolled in a programme in biomedical engineering at Imperial College London. As I progressed through the programme and matured, I became increasingly aware that I was not enjoying the course content. I realised that this was not the career I wanted to pursue and, with only one year remaining in the course, I decided to change my degree and study actuarial science. In my engineering programme, I had found the mathematics, coding, and computing classes to be the most enjoyable. One of my best friends from high school had landed a job at a large reinsurance company as an actuarial analyst and recommended that I look into it. This career path ticked all the boxes, and I realised it was a natural fit. I don’t regret swapping courses when I did and greatly enjoy the actuarial work that I do now.
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • It is, without a doubt, the team who I work with every day. We all get along extremely well with each other. I enjoy talking with all of them about both work-related topics and personal matters. They have really made me feel comfortable and accepted. We often socialise outside of work as well.
  • Who at your company has helped you the most?
  • This would be Kevin O’Reilly who is a director at KPMG. Kevin is not only my direct report at the company, but also my study mentor. He is extremely personable and patient, answering any question I have no matter how simple it may be. I’ve learned a great deal from Kevin about insurance topics and actuarial methods. He has really gone above and beyond what I expected of him.
  • Are there certain words you live by?
  • “It’s ok to fail, just learn from it and try again.”
  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • I intend to qualify as a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries having passed my remaining exams. Also, I’d ideally like to be working in a position that specialises in insurance linked securities. This field deals with large-scale catastrophe events like hurricanes and typhoons which I find quite interesting.
  • Peter Webb
  • Age: 26 
  • Industry: Insurance Industry
  • Employer: AXA XL
  • Position: Underwriter
  • Years working: 4
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts from McGill University
  • Why did you choose to be a part of this industry?
  • It was always my goal throughout university to work in insurance in Bermuda in some capacity. The re/insurance industry has played an integral role in our economy for decades. We’re fortunate in the sense that being a part of and contributing to the longevity and relevancy of commercial insurance is also playing a role in ensuring the long-term prosperity of our island.
  • What is your loftiest ambition?
  • My loftiest professional ambition is certainly to hold a senior position in an insurance company and to significantly contribute to adapting and improving the insurance product. As I move through my career, I’m constantly seeing ways that processes can be streamlined and technologies leveraged to help improve our industry. In ten years, if I can look back and identify key accomplishments and meaningful changes that I’ve made, that will be an indication to me that some of this ambition has been achieved.
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • It’s a privilege that all of my career thus far has been with AXA XL. My first role here was as a summer intern in 2017. Since I landed a spot in the company’s Graduate Trainee Program in 2018, AXA XL has been phenomenal in investing time and resources into my learning and development and allowing me to progress from that position into my current underwriting role.
  • What do you do to unwind at the end of the day?
  • Reading a book or watching Netflix is certainly the easiest way for me to unwind if the workday has been long. Like most people in Bermuda, I enjoy spending time on the water. Going to the beach, boating and scuba diving are my favourite ways to spend the weekend if the weather permits, in addition to spending time with family and friends.
  • Are there certain words you live by?
  • Take nothing for granted. The success of your career depends on the work you put in, but sometimes can be subject to forces outside of your control. Work hard but be prepared for turbulence. It sounds cliché, but I’ve found that keeping a level head and having a positive attitude always helps and people notice.
  • Shakhai Trott
  • Age:  27
  • Industry: Insurance 
  • Employer: Aspen Insurance
  • Position: Underwriter
  • Years working: 3
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drexel University;  Master’s Degree in International Business from Hult International Business School
  • What is your loftiest ambition?
  • My ultimate professional goal is to lead a global re/insurance company and to be in a position where I can provide others with some of the opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to receive.
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • The best part about working at Aspen is the people I work with and learn from on a daily basis. The company’s collaborative culture means I can work with multiple parts of the business and constantly challenge myself.
  • What are you most grateful for?
  • I’m most grateful for my parents and the sacrifices they’ve made to provide me with opportunities to study and travel. I’m also appreciative of Aspen and the support the company has given me to grow in my career so far.
  • Are there certain words you live by?
  • “A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” (John A. Shedd) These words remind me to take risks and to push myself outside my comfort zones.
  • What’s the best part about working in your industry?
  • The best part about working in the re/insurance industry, in general, is supporting my clients with financial and professional liability cover that helps them transform risk into opportunities. More specifically, it is the opportunity to connect with leaders from different industries and backgrounds. Also, the daily challenge of monitoring global trends from environmental, social and corporate governance to geopolitical risks and finding innovative solutions.
  • Tracey DeSouza
  • Age: 27
  • Industry: Re(insurance)/Accounting
  • Employer: PwC
  • Position: Audit Manager
  • Years working: 4.5 years
  • Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia State University
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • Undoubtedly, the people I work with. I have the privilege of working within a very collaborative environment, alongside people from across the globe with various backgrounds. My daily interactions also extend beyond the walls of our Bermuda office as I often liaise with counterparts from other countries within the wider PwC network. As an added bonus, a large part of my overall PwC experience is spent coaching others, which is one of the elements of my working day that I most enjoy.
  • Why did you choose to be a part of this industry?
  • While in university I set myself the goal of earning the CPA designation. Beyond this, however, I kept an open mind about the next steps on my career path. Through an internship with Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS), I had the opportunity to visit various insurance companies on-island and in the United States. I became intrigued by how the insurance industry continuously evolves to meet the needs of the world’s markets, and ultimately, I wanted to combine the skill set I developed through my education with my newly found interest in this fast-paced industry. Subsequently, I gained a summer internship with PwC within the re/insurance business unit of their assurance practice, after which I was certain that I wanted to kick off my career with this firm and further explore the world of insurance.
  • What advice would you give to your younger self?
  • “Be patient and remember to enjoy the journey!” Plans change, goals change, we change our minds—and that’s OK. I have worked diligently throughout the various stages of my education to accomplish goals that I’ve set for myself, whether it was to maintain a certain GPA or earn a designation within a specified time period. Along with these academic achievements, I would impress upon my younger self, and other professionals embarking on a career, the importance of being adaptable. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned.  Be willing to learn from your mistakes, persevere and embrace the process.
  • What do you do to unwind at the end of the day?
  • I enjoy working out and do my best to get in a few sessions at the gym each week, but what I look forward to the most is spending time with my loved ones and friends. Playing cards and watching game shows with my family, playing outdoors with my god kids or catching up with my friends over a good meal—these are the activities that help me to relax and recharge.
  • Are there certain words you live by?
  • The world is filled with good people. If you can’t find one, be one.
  • Amber Farrington
  • Age: 28
  • Industry: Law
  • Employer: Appleby (Bermuda) Limited
  • Position: Associate – Corporate/Insurance Team 
  • Years working: 3
  • Education: McGill University 
  • What motivates you to succeed?
  • At present, I am motivated by learning. It feels rewarding to acquire working knowledge of an aspect of law/transaction and then be able to independently apply it.
  • Why did you choose to be a part of this industry?
  • It’s Bermuda! Hard not to choose to become involved in insurance. I chose to become a lawyer because it is a solid foundation for any career.
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • My colleagues. They create a fun work environment (yes, we are corporate lawyers). Even when the workload is heavy, we still find things to laugh at.   
  • What are you most grateful for?
  • Life in Bermuda—the natural environment, in particular the beaches and the ocean, and the wealth of work opportunities.
  • Who at your company has helped you the most?
  • Appleby’s leadership and mentors. There is a great emphasis on teaching, often through learning by doing. 
  • What advice would you give your younger self?
  • It is risky to make long-term plans in great detail.
  • What’s the best part about working in your industry?
  • The sense of doing good for Bermuda. Lawyers are often the first point of contact for investors coming in, the companies setting up in Bermuda.
  • Zoe Wright
  • Age: 24
  • Industry: Reinsurance
  • Employer: Everest Re (Bermuda) Ltd.
  • Position: Actuarial Analyst II
  • Years working: 3 years
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Economics & Management from University of Bristol
  • Why did you choose to be a part of this industry?
  • I chose to be a part of the re/insurance industry because I knew there would always be a need for insurance in our world. I networked with industry professionals and found that as an actuary there would be many opportunities for me to work in different departments such as pricing, reserving, risk management and even underwriting.  In property and casualty (P&C) reinsurance, I am also able to learn about various lines of business and special emerging risks.
  • What are you most grateful for?
  • I am most grateful for my family, friends and colleagues. Many of them have been supporting me through high school, university, and now my career.  Balancing working, studying and a social life is challenging, but they provide me with words of encouragement and are always ready to help in any way they can.
  • Are there certain words you live by?
  • “Give yourself grace.” The past few years have been challenging for many people in the world and I have learned that it is important to take one day at a time, be patient and understand that what is meant to be, will be.
  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • In ten years, I see myself as a qualified actuary and a mentor to young Bermudians who are interested in having a career in the re/insurance industry or who are looking for advice on how to progress through an organisation.  Mentors and networking played a big part in getting me where I am today, so I am excited to give back to the community.
  • Jerusa Garner-Simmons
  • Age: 27 
  • Industry: Banking
  • Employer: HSBC
  • Position: Risk Manager
  • Years working: 3 
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in International Business from Wright State University
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • I think one of the best opportunities I have had while working at HSBC has been to be part of the Graduate Development Programme (GDP). The GDP allowed me to grow personally and professionally. The programme challenged me to think critically and use my analytical skills to develop and create innovative solutions for the company, all which contributed to me moving into my current role of risk manager. In addition, I think networking and connecting with my colleagues both locally and regionally (specifically, the UK and Malta) has been a great part of working at HSBC as the opportunity for many valuable conversations has assisted my career.
  • What are you most grateful for?
  • I am most grateful for my parents and my family. I give a lot of credit to my parents for teaching me life principles and core values. My family and extended family have been a great support system providing me with guidance and encouragement.
  • Who at your company has helped you the most?
  • First, I have to give credit to Dejuanna Burrows, programme manager for the Graduate Development Programme, who encouraged me to apply for the HSBC programme. She has been a strong supporter throughout the programme and my career in general with the company. I also attribute my success to the entire HSBC Risk team who have been very supportive. The team has been instrumental in helping me get acclimated as a graduate trainee and in my current role as a risk manager.
  • Are there certain words you live by?
  • Live in the present, focus on your future, and don’t let your past dictate your future. Your past is your past, so focus on planning and being prepared for a brighter future.
  • Lateefah Caines, Butterfield
  • Age: 30
  • Industry: Asset Management 
  • Position: Assistant Portfolio Manager 
  • Years working: 5
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts in Business from Clark Atlanta University 
  • What motivates you to succeed?
  • I’m driven by growth, both personally and professionally. Setting and achieving goals gives me a clear direction and a huge sense of accomplishment.
  • Why did you choose to be a part of this industry?
  • After completing my undergraduate degree in marketing, I joined Butterfield’s graduate trainee programme where I was introduced to a career in asset management. After a few investment committee meetings and countless hours on Investopedia, I developed a real affinity for the markets, analysing the economy and constructing portfolios.
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • In true alignment with Butterfield’s core values, the people and the collaboration stand out. You have to work together to achieve success in our department, so having a team that operates like a family is everything.
  • Who at your company has helped you the most?
  • I am eternally grateful for Zuri Darrell, Jeff Abbott and Dwayne Outerbridge for the opportunities afforded to me as a young, black Bermudian woman in this space. From the very beginning they have shown a vested interest in me and my professional development.
  • What advice would you give your younger self?
  • There’s beauty in mistakes. Make them, learn from them, grow from them. 
  • What is the best part about working in your industry?
  • No two days are alike. The markets and other investment-related decisions are heavily influenced by current trends and global events. As someone who enjoys learning, I’ve found the need to stay on top of what is happening the most exciting part.
  • Adrian Lashley
  • Age: 27
  • Industry: Audit
  • Employer: Deloitte
  • Position: Manager
  • Years working: 5
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Master of Science in Accounting
  • What is the best part about working for your company?
  • Working at Deloitte Bermuda has allowed me to work with and learn from a wide range of people from around the world. I have had the opportunity to learn the insurance industry and how the companies operate here in Bermuda. I have also gained experience in the banking industry and with nonprofit organisations (NPOs). Soon I will have the opportunity to transfer to Deloitte’s Boston office. While there, I hope to continue to learn and grow as I take the next step in my audit career. The best part about working for Deloitte Bermuda are the numerous opportunities it has provided me.
  • What do you do to unwind at the end of the day?
  • My favourite things to do to unwind are playing video games and golfing with my friends. During the week it’s nice to chill after work and play some Rocket League with friends here on the island or from university. On weekends, it’s fun to get outside in the sun and hack away at Port Royal Golf Course even though I lose more golf balls than holes played.
  • Who is your biggest cheerleader/support system?
  • There is no question about it. My family is my source of support. My parents have always been completely supportive of all my major life decisions, while my brother always has a bad joke that makes me laugh. My aunts and uncles are always eager to sit and talk. My cousins who have experienced or are experiencing the same things I have as a young(ish) professional are always willing to share their stories with me. Without their help, I would not be where I am today, and I am grateful to every one of them.
  • Who at your company has helped you the most?
  • When I think of who has helped me the most at Deloitte Bermuda my mind immediately goes to those who have guided and supported me since I first started in 2017. Heldar Carreiro, Anna Burns, Jimmy Caplice and Edel Faulkner have influenced my career and for the better. I truly appreciate what they have contributed to my growth over the years.
  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • Working at Deloitte provides so many opportunities that I have no idea where I’ll end up a decade from now. Soon I will be moving from Deloitte Bermuda to Deloitte Boston, and from there, who knows what will happen next. However, no matter where I end up ten years from now, whether I’m still at Deloitte or in industry, somewhere overseas or back here at home, as long as I’m in a position where I’m still able to grow, learn, and be engaged every day, I’ll be happy.