The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers has appointed Leila Madeiros as chairwoman of its Policy Committee.

The Policy Committee serves as the chief policy body of Abir, with review of insurance regulation in Bermuda and overseas, international regulatory standards, public policy in Bermuda, and US natural disaster policy and insurance regulation.

Kevin O’Donnell, president and CEO of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd and chairman of Abir said: “Leila is highly regarded for her experience and wealth of knowledge of the Bermuda market and international regulation policy. Her significant history with Abir and current position at XL make her uniquely qualified to serve Bermuda and the Abir organisation in this leadership role.”

Ms Madeiros is head of compliance and regulatory affairs, Bermuda, for XL Group Ltd. She also serves as part of XL Group’s team on international regulatory and policy issues.

Before joining XL, Leila was senior vice-president, deputy director and corporate secretary of Abir, for the past 12 years.

During that time, she led Abir’s efforts in Bermuda, specifically managing Abir’s policy development work related to Bermuda’s efforts to ensure that the BMA’s regulatory regime is equivalent to international standards.

In particular, she led Abir’s efforts with regard to Bermuda’s successful, milestone Solvency II equivalency project.

Prior to joining Abir, Ms Madeiros was the deputy director of policy, research and communications at the BMA, directing the formulation and dissemination of appropriate policies, strategies and information for the BMA.

Ms Madeiros succeeds Stephen Weinstein, senior vice-president and group general counsel of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Mr Weinstein led the Abir Policy Committee in facilitating substantial policy regulation work to help achieve and maintain the recognition of Bermuda under US, EU and international regimes, address tax law changes, strengthen Bermuda’s leadership position in respect of insurtech and other innovative solution frameworks for policyholders, and efforts geared towards closing the global insurance protection gap.

Mr O’Donnell added: “The Abir board and member companies are thankful to Steve for his leadership and for his thoughtful approach to public policy issues over a time of significant change in the industry and the markets we serve.”

Abir also announces the appointment of Michelle Seymour Smith to serve on the Financial Committee. The Financial Committee reviews and approves annual financial activity and provides guidance for the investments, expenses and income of the association. It is comprised of the Abir treasurer and two additional member company executives.

Ms Seymour Smith is the chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Arch Reinsurance Ltd responsible for the financial operations of the insurance, reinsurance and mortgage divisions and their subsidiary reinsurance operations in Europe and Dubai.

She has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry.

In 2015, Ms Seymour Smith was named to a list of 100 Influential Women in Insurance and Reinsurance by the Intelligent Insurer and to a list of 40 Influential Women in Bermuda by Bermuda Re+ILS.

“As Abir marks its 25 years of innovation, growth and leadership, we celebrate the richly diverse talent in Bermuda. We are extremely fortunate to have Leila and Michelle join us in these leadership roles,” John Huff, president and CEO of Abir, said.