A reinsurance firm has appointed a Bermudian as its chief financial officer.

Hamilton Re has promoted Vanessa Hardy Pickering from group controller to her new role.

Hamilton Insurance Group chief financial officer Jonathan Reiss said: “Vanessa has played a pivotal role in the development of our global operations from the beginning of discussions with Brian Duperreault about establishing Hamilton Insurance Group through to our expansion into the United States and Lloyd’s.

“Further, she is not only an experienced and highly skilled finance professional, she is also a natural leader who has recruited an excellent team under her command at Hamilton Re. I congratulate her on this richly deserved promotion.”

Ms Hardy Pickering, a Bermudian Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Acadia University, Canada, with 15 years of experience in the industry, will report direct to Hamilton Re chief executive officer Kathleen Reardon.

Ms Reardon said: “As we’ve worked to diversify our product offerings and extend our reach to new clients and new markets, Vanessa has been a trusted and valued resource and partner.

“I am looking forward to working with her as we build our Bermuda platform.”

Ms Hardy Pickering was formerly senior vice-president controller at Ariel Re Bermuda, continuing in the position she held with Ariel Insurance Co Ltd.

She joined the company in 2005 after working for two years at Rosemont Reinsurance Ltd as assistant financial controller and worked at professional services firm Ernst & Young from 1999 to 2003, specialising in insurance and reinsurance clients.