HUGH O’DONNELL
Our CEO. With a passion for creating deals and solving problems, Hugh is a high energy leader with deep and broad perspective from over 30 years of experience in the industry.
JONATHAN FARROW
Our COO. A highly qualified, dedicated and detail oriented professional, Jonathan is expert in developing long standing relationships and implementing operational plans and technology solutions.
DEBORAH O’DONNELL
Our CFO & Chairman. With a strong academic background, a calm, sensible and shrewd sense of the possible and an appetite for the company vision, Debbie delivers our strategic oversight.
NEIL HITCHCOCK
Our Chief Broker. Currently consulting with us from the UK, Neil possesses more insurance designations than there are letters in the alphabet. With 30 years of industry experience, Neil came on board in November of 2021 and his impact was immediately noticeable, sharing with the team his exhaustive knowledge base, deep humour and wise counsel.
KURT BOUNDS
Our Man in the USA. Based in Chicago, Kurt is a forward-thinking insurance executive with a determined talent for seeking new business opportunities.
VAUGHN VR HARRIS
Our other man in the USA. Based in Morristown NJ, Vaughn is a seasoned reinsurance executive with nearly 40 years of experience of traditional treaty business and structured reinsurance arrangements. Vaughn came on board in July 2022 and, with age-defying youthful tenacity and energy, has immediately had a positive impact on colleagues and clients alike.
SAMUEL POOTS
Our Client Accountant and more. Highly numerate and a spreadsheet wizard, he has over ten years in financial services.
CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
Our Assistant Broker. Charlotte joined us in 2020 after graduating from Regents University in London having studied English and Psychology.
GRENVILLE LINES
Our Trainee Broker. Grenville joined us in October 2021 after graduating from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, where he obtained a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting.
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Hugh has extensive knowledge and understanding of the worlds of insurance and reinsurance, capital markets and financial reporting. This, and his creativity, means he brings a unique arsenal of expertise to solve problems for clients.
Hugh has a proven track record in:
The Art of the Possible – knowledge, creativity and determination, especially for complex challenges:
- Securing capacity for US MGAs and reinsurance capacity for MGA programs
- Captive, self-insurance, and other alternative risk transfer solutions for (re)insurance clients.
- Find reinsurance and issuing carrier partners
- Account and contract negotiations
- Opportunity structuring and pricing
- Launching competitive new products
Hugh was formerly employed by:
- The Imagine Group, Bermuda
- Aon, Bermuda
- Ernst & Young, Bermuda
Professional qualifications:
- CFA ®
- CPCU
- Chartered Accountant of England & Wales
Jonathan, with his welcoming and friendly character, applies his thorough knowledge of operations and technology to ensure that we understand and provide what our clients and underwriters need.
His track record shows proficiency in:
- Creating and maintaining trusting relationships with diverse individuals
- Motivational leadership skills – while being a “hands-on” team participant
- Identifying and analyzing logistical and financial opportunities
- Facilitating complex projects
- Multiple IT systems
- Use of technology for business solutions
Jonathan was formally employed by:
- Canopius Underwriting Bermuda Limited
- JLT Risk Solutions, Bermuda Ltd.
Qualifications:
- Masters of Business Administration University of Phoenix
- Graduate Certificate in Management Harvard University
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics Boston College
- Justice of the Peace
Debbie’s robust sense of organization and attention to detail, together with an astute eye on the horizon creates a nurturing culture for both the team and our clients.
Debbie has a proven track record in:
- Distillation of information
- Priority setting and resource allocation
- Financial management
Formerly employed by:
- Winchester Trust Company Limited, Bermuda
- Mid-Ocean Trust Company Limited, Bermuda
- Schroders, Bermuda
- Ernst & Young, Bermuda
Professional qualifications:
- CFA ®
- Chartered Accountant of England & Wales
Neil’s depth of skills includes broad management, strategic advisory, production, placement, and client servicing capabilities across property & casualty and life & health lines of (re)insurance.
Neil has a proven track record in:
- Structuring captive, self-insurance, and other alternative risk transfer solutions for (re)insurance clients.
- Securing capacity for many MGAs and Lloyd’s coverholders in the UK and overseas.
- Taking start-up companies in the UK, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands from conception through to funding, incorporation, licensing, and operation.
- Serving as CEO of both Lloyd’s and non-Lloyd’s brokers in the UK and Bermuda.
Some of his qualifications:
- Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (“FCII”)
- Chartered Insurance Broker
- Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (“CPCU”)
- Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (“MCSI”).
- Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (“CWCP”).
- Associate in Reinsurance (“ARe”) designation from the Insurance Institute of America.
Employment & experience:
- Skyfront Insurance Limited, UK – CEO
- Clearwater Partners Limited, Bermuda – Director
- Market Insurance Brokers Limited, UK – CEO
- Arthur J Gallagher International, UK
Kurt has deep sales, marketing and broking experience. His expertise was invaluable in the establishing of Island Intermediaries LLC, our own US intermediary broker which he manages on a day to day basis.
His role is to seek new clients and contacts and assist with the development of (re)insurance solutions for clients new and old.
Kurt has a proven track record in:
- Enhancing revenue and streamlining business operations
- Leading specialty insurance companies to a 20% year over year revenue growth
- Working with US based Independent Brokers and MGA’s developing programs
- Leading teams to over $50M in new business sales
Employment & experience:
- Insure1st 2017-2020
- President & Founder • Founded a specialty niche insurance broker developing a nationwide network of brokers placing specialist workers’ comp and commercial insurance packages.
- ISBA Mutual Insurance Company Chicago IL 2000-2017
- Vice President – Business Development & Corporate Officer • Endorsed professional liability insurance carrier for the Illinois State Bar Association.
Depth of skills
Since he graduated from CUNY in the 1970’s, Vaughn has dedicated himself to the reinsurance industry. His resume reads as a “Who’s Who”. His career has seen many market cycles. In all the ups and downs, he has focused on his clients’ access to the right products for their financial and strategic plans. Vaughn’s role at Bermuda Brokers is to work with the team in developing reinsurance solutions for our clients, new and old.
Proven track record
- Developed Program Business including the placement of supporting reinsurance.
- Acted as Principal and Board member for various small and medium sized intermediaries.
- Executed countless contracts as the Intermediary with some of the world’s largest reinsurers including Berkshire Hathaway, Munich Reinsurance America, Partner Re, Arch Reinsurance Company and various underwriters at Lloyd’s.
Employment and experience
- American International Underwriters, a Division of AIG.
- Alexander & Alexander and managed a Lloyd’s Broker’s US operations.
- Principal at EWI Re
- Crum & Foster’s Reinsurance Intermediary – Richard Whiley, Inc. – part of the team that established Wells Fargo RE, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Insurance Brokers.
Samuel’s dedicated focus ensures that our client’s reporting is accurate and timely. Hard working and thorough, Samuel is a highly valued member of the team. Alongside his accounting role, he has developed a good understanding of the industry and enthusiastically and effectively assists with the creation of new deals.
Samuel has a proven track record in:
- The detailed analysis and reporting of client accounting information
- The development of strong working relationships with counterparties contracts
- The production of insightful and focused presentations
Samuel was formerly employed at:
- Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited
- PwC (Bermuda)
- KPMG (London)
Qualifications:
- Chartered Accountant of England & Wales
- Level 1 CFA ®
- Working towards CPCU and ARe
One of Bermuda’s home-grown, Charlotte has made a great start in Re/insurance. A quick study with a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Charlotte has earned her CPCU, ARe and AIC designations while supporting the team and spearheading her own projects.
Qualifications:
- Liberal Arts Degree Regents University, London
- CPCU, ARe and AIC
Grenville’s social nature and business-centered mentality positions him well for a career in the Re/insurance industry. Keen to learn, he has started the CPCU exams and is already a valuable member of the team.
As our business grows, we look forward to Grenville developing his skills and knowledge in Bermuda Broker’s immersive work environment.
Qualifications:
- Business Administration Degree Acadia University, Novia Scotia
- Working towards CPCU and Are