Influential Women in Hamilton: Erica Robinson-McLeod
Sitting at the table as an executive and in boardrooms feels significant and impactful, says Artex Capital Solutions EVP.
Erica Robinson-McLeod, EVP, chief legal officer, at Artex Capital Solutions, is a qualified practising lawyer based in Bermuda, with a strong focus on the local (re)insurance industry. She has showcased her leadership across a diverse range of roles, including private practice and in-house positions.
Give us a snapshot of your career to date.
After completing my postgraduate legal studies in the UK, I took a gap year to travel as I wasn’t sure that I wanted to pursue a legal career. I decided to complete the process to become a qualified, practising lawyer here in Bermuda, and while undertaking my pupillage, I ended up loving the practice of law, particularly in the thriving local (re)insurance industry. I remained in private practice for 10 years, after which I transitioned to an in-house role for a publicly traded reinsurer and have not looked back since. From 2013 onward, I have held several increasingly senior roles across a diverse range of reinsurers and ILS entities and structures.
What attracted you to re/insurance?
From the outset of my legal career I was drawn to the vibrancy of the industry which has such a substantial Bermuda presence and impact. Working on significant reinsurance M&A transactions, restructurings, redomiciliations, ILS and new products exposed me to the inner workings and opportunities within the industry and I was engaged and captivated by it and the people.
Is there someone - or some people - who inspired you or acted as a mentor in your career?
Although I have not intentionally selected or requested to be mentored, I have had the benefit of several mentors, who, of their own accord, chose to advocate for me or take me under their wing. Interestingly, these mentors have all been male and have encouraged me to think beyond my own self-imposed boundaries and beliefs. This was particularly the case in the early days of my career. Each of these mentors has imparted their own wisdom and shared in my growth.
In addition to this, I have many female compatriots in the Legal industry who inspire me and who bring so much to their roles, each with their own unique and individual attributes and styles. I am grateful to have these females to leverage ideas and solutions with and to swap success (and war) stories and experiences with.
What are your ambitions?
From a career standpoint, I would like to ensure optimisation of the legal, governance and regulatory functions in line with the organisation’s growth and expansion of services and products, as well as to continue to add value across all stakeholders.
My personal ambitions are to ensure my continued growth, development and expansion of skill sets and responsibilities across the business and industry.
What challenges have you encountered in your career and how have you overcome them?
As with all things, there are challenges, impediments and obstacles along the way. Sitting in and working through the discomfort of the challenges is hard but it’s where solutions and resiliency are developed, and ultimately what makes anyone successful is having to face those head on and find and build solutions. I would not say there is any one key theme to challenges I’ve faced during my career other than the perennial ‘work/life’ balance challenge that is thematic when raising young children at key stages of one’s career.
“Sitting in and working through the discomfort of the challenges is hard but it’s where solutions and resiliency are developed.”
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment so far?
Sitting at the table as an executive and in boardrooms in global reinsurance companies and being included in, and contributing to strategic conversations and initiatives feels significant and impactful to me. To be entrusted by stakeholders, CEOs and executive management to bring expertise and experience in legal, risk, governance and regulatory matters and to add value is not only an accomplishment but also is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Would you encourage other women to consider this sector?
Absolutely. Initiative and hard work can take you as far as you want in this industry. The sector does so much to support and engage those who are keen to pursue a career within reinsurance. If you have the initiative and work ethic there is so much on offer in terms of career paths across a diverse range of specialties, interests and jurisdictions.
Why is this industry great to work in?
It is not restricted only to those who want to underwrite risk, and the areas of expertise continue to develop and expand, providing all kinds of opportunities. Although cyclical in nature, the industry is tried and tested and is here to stay, if anything, there’s only room for growth and expansion particularly in terms of closing the protection gap.
Why is Bermuda a great place to be?
It’s the heart of the reinsurance industry. Almost all of the key reinsurers have a presence in Bermuda and the ease and frequency of access to all markets and people is key. Everything is contained within a square mile in the heart of Hamilton.
Outside of work there’s no place more beautiful, pristine and safe to be raising kids and enjoying life.
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