Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) has partnered with the Wharton School of Business to provide a world class Leadership Development programme in Bermuda.This programme was launched at a ‘Connections and Cocktails’ event, held at RenaissanceRe yesterday.Chris Fisher, president of the BII council, thanked RenRe for sponsoring the event and said: “The BII is delighted to be partnering with a world-class educational organisation such as the Wharton School of Business.“The genesis of this programme was the clear feedback to the BII from our member companies that a superior Bermuda-based business leadership programme was vital to ensure the continued growth of high potential individuals in the Bermuda market.“A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into putting this programme together and I would especially like to thank Andrew Soares, Michelle St Jane and all of the hard working members of the BII’s Education Committee who collectively have been instrumental in bringing this world-class offering to market in Bermuda.”Andrew Soares spoke about the two week programme which will take place in 2013. The first week will take place from February 25 — March 1, 2013.A key part of the programme involves an Action Learning Project which will allow participants to work on an issue that is relevant to leaders today.“The goal of the BII was to develop a programme that reflects Bermuda’s leadership training needs. This programme is for individuals selected by their companies as future leaders. Individuals who want to improve their leadership skills and ability to influence: high potential individuals that represent diverse business functions, companies and industries.“This exceptional opportunity will offer the progressive development of talented employees to expand their potential, ready them for future roles and responsibilities, and prepare them to meet the challenges of leading in the 21st century. With the curriculum, action learning project and Wharton faculty we have assembled for this programme we feel we have accomplished our goal.”Dr Mario Moussa PhD, director of learning for Wharton Executive Education, said: “General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt once said: ‘Leadership is an intense journey into yourself. You can use your own style to get anything done.’ Mr Immelt’s comment could apply to the upcoming Wharton programme. It will take the participants on an intense leadership journey that will deepen their understanding of themselves and of fundamental business principles. The knowledge they gain will help them get things done in their organisations.”The BII is a registered charity and educational institution, funded by its insurance industry members. The institute facilitates insurance studies, and insurance-related studies, organises discussion of industry matters and other interaction among industry participants.Organisations that are interested in sending participants to the BII/Wharton leadership programme should call Delma Parfitt at BII on 295-1596 (extension 22) for more details.