Bermuda’s key role in reshaping the global reinsurance industry after the devastating 2005 hurricane season will be spotlighted at this year’s Bermuda Risk Summit, organisers said.
The Bermuda Business Development Agency announced a featured panel marking the 20-year anniversary of the so-called “Class of 2005” — a group of reinsurers formed in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, which accelerated Bermuda’s rise as a centre for catastrophe risk capacity and innovation.
The session, titled “From Storms to Strength: The Class of 2005 Turns 20”, will bring together senior industry figures including John Berger, chairman of Coaction Specialty Insurance and founder of Harbour Point Re; Ryan Mather, chief executive of Ariel Re; Chris McKeown, CEO of Vantage Reinsurance, Insurance-Linked Securities & Innovation; and Conan Ward, CEO of Solis Re.
The discussion will examine how the capital, structures and ideas developed during that period helped to shape the modern reinsurance market and continue to influence how risk is financed and transferred today.
The Bermuda Risk Summit, which brings together global insurance, capital markets and regulatory leaders, is scheduled for March 10.
Kendaree Burgess, managing director of the BDA, said the legacy of the Class of 2005 remains relevant today.
“That period demonstrated Bermuda’s ability to respond quickly to global need — bringing together capital, expertise and regulatory clarity to support recovery and resilience,” she said. “This session offers an opportunity to reflect on what was built and how those foundations continue to support the modern risk ecosystem.”
Mairi Mallon, CEO of Rein4ce and moderator of the panel, said the group remains “a reference point for how the market responds to a capital crunch,” and will explore whether conditions could support a similar wave of new reinsurers in future.
