Three leading executives from UK-listed Bermuda insurers top the bill in a new event for the Island's re/insurance calendar later this month.

Barbara Merry, chief executive of Hardy Underwriting, joins Hiscox Bermuda CEO Charles Dupplin and Lancashire Holdings Ltd. president Neil McConachie for the Bermuda Reinsurance Club, sponsored by Reinsurance magazine.

Other panellists include AM Best's senior vice-president of ratings, Matt Mosher, and Bradley Kading, president of the Association of Bermuda insurers and Reinsurers.

The half-day event at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess will be opened by Bermuda's Deputy Premier Paula Cox and will feature three discussions.

The first will focus on the New York Insurance Exchange and what it will mean to Bermuda and London markets; a look at the Class of 2005 five years on; and panel on the age-old debate on Bermuda versus London and whether the rivalry is still there.

The event takes place on the morning of March 17, the day after the influential World Insurance Forum finishes.

Katherine Blackler, editor of Reinsurance Magazine, said: "We have timed the event to take advantage of so many people being in Bermuda for the World Insurance Forum at the start of the week.

"We hope to have an exciting and interactive morning which we believe could become an annual fixture on the Bermuda conference calendar."

The Bermuda Reinsurance Club event will be chaired by Mrs. Blackler and Mairi Mallon, managing director of specialist public relations company rein4ce.

Ms Mallon, a former reporter with The Royal Gazette and the Bermuda Sun, said: "We are aiming for some lively panel discussions. I'm particularly looking forward to the discussion on the proposed New York Insurance Exchange and what threat this might pose for Bermuda and for London markets."