Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – Friday, 10 January 2025– The Cayman International Reinsurance Companies Association (CIRCA) is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors and leadership team for 2025. Following a transformative 2024 marked by significant milestones, CIRCA welcomes new leadership to continue advancing the Cayman Islands’ reinsurance sector.

Greg Mitchell, 2025 CIRCA Chair

The newly appointed leadership includes:

Chair: Greg Mitchell (Aureum Re)

Vice Chair: Faramarz Romer (Greenlight Re)

Board of Directors:

• Adina Lupea (CIBC Re)
• Eric Marhoun (Nassau Re)
• Janet Sairsingh (United Insurance)
• Gary Callaghan (Barents Re)
• Tyler Bent (Knighthead Annuity)
• Fearghal O’Riordan (North End Re)
• Darryl Cardozo (RBC)
• Brandon Smith (Accelerant Re)
• Richard Zebleckas (Aspida Re)
• R. Cameron Leitch (Hildene Re)
• Peter McKelvy (Northern Re)
• Stephen Cernich (Talcott Life & Annuity Re)
• Wang Xu (Ledger Re)

Outgoing Chair David C. Self reflected on CIRCA’s significant progress over the past year:

“2024 was a year of firsts and successes. From the inaugural ReConnect conference, which welcomed over 430 attendees and generated significant industry interest, to the expanded Reinsurance Roundtable in NYC, our Caymanian Rising Stars Program, and the launch of the Reinsurance Insights Series, CIRCA solidified its reputation as a leader in advocacy and education for Cayman’s reinsurance sector. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated Board, volunteers, and industry partners.”

CIRCA also had a strong focus on regulatory advocacy throughout 2024 including:

• Close collaboration with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) to address regulatory priorities and the sector’s growth.
• Alignment with the Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC)’s Regulatory Committee to advance shared industry goals.
• Monitoring of US regulatory developments that may affect our member companies, including attendance at the 2024 Summer and Fall NAIC meetings.
• Supporting the development of two key independent industry papers.

Other 2024 highlights:

• Strengthened collaborations with the Ministry of Financial Services, CIMA, IMAC, and Cayman Finance, uniting efforts to support the growth of the reinsurance sector.
• The ReConnect Conference: A resounding success with 431 attendees, 33 speakers, and 32 sponsors, generating significant international recognition.
• The New York Reinsurance Roundtable: A key event attracting 200 attendees, including major international stakeholders.
• The launch of the CIRCA Rising Stars Program, spotlighting the next generation of Caymanian industry talent through a series of video features and panel discussions.
• The introduction of the Reinsurance Insights Series, providing regulatory and market updates to members and the broader industry.
• Membership increased by 33%.
  

Incoming Chair Greg Mitchell shared his vision for CIRCA’s future:

“In 2025, CIRCA will remain steadfast in its mandate to represent the common interests of our member reinsurance companies,” said Greg Mitchell,  incoming Chair.  “Our focus will continue to be on protecting the operating environment of our members by advocating for shared positions on regulatory issues, defending and promoting our jurisdiction’s reputation when necessary, and educating the local community about the value and opportunities within the Cayman reinsurance industry.

“Cayman reinsurance companies are a diverse group, and achieving CIRCA’s objectives requires a deep understanding of what truly constitutes commonly held views and interests. For this reason, I encourage our members to actively engage with CIRCA throughout the year to ensure our common ground is well-defined and effectively represented,” he said.

David Self transitions to a new role as part-time General Manager, where he will continue supporting CIRCA’s strategic initiatives and collaborating with the new Board to further the association’s mission.

CIRCA looks ahead to 2025 with a commitment to expanding membership, focusing on regulatory developments, delivering exceptional events, and advocating for Cayman’s position as a leading global reinsurance hub.

For more information on CIRCA visit circa.ky.