Business & Finance
McGill hires Henderson as CEO, Bermuda. Appoints Cantlay as President, Bermuda - Artemis.bm
//business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. nts-cantlay-as-president-bermuda-artemis-bm.html
Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, July 24th 2025 at 8:03 GMT by Artemis🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
McGill and Partners, the boutique risk solutions and broking firm, has hired Julia Henderson to lead its Bermuda business as CEO, while its London-based
McGill and Partners Bolsters Bermuda Leadership with Key Appointments: Henderson Named CEO, Cantlay as President
In a strategic move poised to strengthen its presence in the global re/insurance market, specialist broker McGill and Partners has announced significant leadership changes in its Bermuda operations. The firm has recruited industry veteran Scott Henderson as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Bermuda, while simultaneously appointing James Cantlay to the role of President Bermuda. These appointments underscore McGill's commitment to expanding its footprint in one of the world's premier hubs for insurance-linked securities (ILS), reinsurance, and alternative risk transfer solutions. As Bermuda continues to solidify its status as a key jurisdiction for innovative financial services in the insurance sector, these hires signal McGill's intent to capitalize on emerging opportunities amid evolving market dynamics.
Scott Henderson brings a wealth of experience to his new role at McGill and Partners. With over two decades in the re/insurance industry, Henderson has held prominent positions at some of the sector's leading firms. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and Head of Bermuda Reinsurance at WTW (formerly Willis Towers Watson), where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and managing complex reinsurance portfolios. Prior to that, Henderson spent significant time at Aon, contributing to the development of bespoke reinsurance solutions for clients across various lines of business, including property, casualty, and specialty risks. His expertise extends to catastrophe modeling, risk assessment, and the integration of alternative capital sources, making him a natural fit for McGill's ambitious plans in Bermuda.
Henderson's appointment comes at a time when the re/insurance industry is navigating a landscape marked by increasing volatility due to climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainties. Bermuda, with its favorable regulatory environment and proximity to major North American markets, has become a magnet for firms seeking to innovate in areas like ILS, collateralized reinsurance, and captive insurance. McGill and Partners, founded in 2019 by industry luminary Steve McGill, has quickly established itself as a disruptor in the broking space, emphasizing client-centric solutions and leveraging deep market insights to deliver value. By bringing Henderson on board, the firm aims to enhance its capabilities in structuring deals that blend traditional reinsurance with third-party capital, a trend that has gained momentum in recent years.
Commenting on his new position, Henderson expressed enthusiasm about joining McGill at this juncture. "I'm thrilled to be part of a dynamic organization like McGill and Partners, which is redefining the brokerage model with its focus on agility and innovation," he said. "Bermuda is at the heart of the global re/insurance ecosystem, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here to drive sustainable growth for our clients." His leadership is expected to foster stronger relationships with cedents, reinsurers, and investors, particularly in high-growth areas such as cyber risk, environmental liability, and parametric insurance products.
Complementing Henderson's appointment is the elevation of James Cantlay to President Bermuda. Cantlay, who has been with McGill since its inception, has been instrumental in building the firm's Bermuda platform from the ground up. His promotion recognizes his contributions to establishing McGill as a formidable player in the region. Cantlay's background includes extensive experience in reinsurance broking, with prior roles at major firms where he specialized in treaty and facultative placements. At McGill, he has overseen the development of tailored risk transfer strategies, helping clients mitigate exposures in an increasingly complex risk environment.
As President, Cantlay will focus on operational excellence, team development, and strategic partnerships. His role will involve close collaboration with Henderson to align Bermuda operations with McGill's broader global strategy. "This is an exciting evolution for our Bermuda team," Cantlay noted. "With Scott's proven track record and our shared vision, we're well-positioned to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and stakeholders." Together, the duo is anticipated to spearhead initiatives that enhance McGill's service offerings, including advanced analytics, ESG-integrated solutions, and digital transformation in broking processes.
These leadership changes are part of a broader pattern of talent mobility in the Bermuda re/insurance market. The island has seen a surge in executive hires as firms vie for top talent to address challenges like hardening rates, capacity constraints, and the integration of technology in underwriting. McGill's moves align with industry trends, where brokers are increasingly emphasizing specialization to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. For instance, the rise of ILS funds and catastrophe bonds has created demand for brokers who can bridge traditional insurance with capital markets, an area where Henderson's expertise will be particularly valuable.
McGill and Partners' growth trajectory since its launch has been impressive. Starting with a small team, the firm now operates across multiple jurisdictions, including London, New York, and Bermuda, serving a diverse clientele ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to niche insurers. The Bermuda office, in particular, has become a hub for innovation, facilitating deals that leverage the jurisdiction's tax advantages and regulatory efficiency. By appointing Henderson and Cantlay to these key roles, McGill is not only reinforcing its leadership bench but also signaling confidence in Bermuda's long-term prospects as a center for re/insurance excellence.
Industry observers have welcomed the announcements, viewing them as a boost to Bermuda's vibrant ecosystem. "McGill's strategic hires reflect the ongoing evolution of the market," said one Bermuda-based analyst. "With leaders like Henderson and Cantlay at the helm, the firm is poised to capture a larger share of the growing demand for sophisticated risk solutions." This sentiment echoes the broader optimism in the sector, where Bermuda's role in global reinsurance capacity remains critical, especially as primary insurers seek to offload risks amid rising natural catastrophe losses.
Looking ahead, the implications of these appointments extend beyond McGill's internal operations. They could influence market dynamics by encouraging more collaborative approaches to risk management. For clients, this means access to enhanced advisory services that incorporate cutting-edge data analytics and scenario planning. In an era where risks are becoming more interconnected—think supply chain disruptions exacerbated by pandemics or cyber threats amplified by geopolitical events—brokers like McGill are essential in helping organizations build resilience.
Furthermore, these changes highlight the importance of human capital in the re/insurance industry. As automation and AI reshape traditional roles, the value of experienced leaders who can navigate both technical and relational aspects of the business becomes paramount. Henderson's track record in deal-making and Cantlay's operational acumen position McGill to thrive in this hybrid environment.
In conclusion, McGill and Partners' decision to appoint Scott Henderson as CEO Bermuda and James Cantlay as President Bermuda represents a calculated step toward fortifying its market position. With their combined expertise, the firm is set to drive innovation, foster client relationships, and contribute to the ongoing vitality of Bermuda's re/insurance sector. As the industry continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, such leadership enhancements will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of global risk transfer. This development not only benefits McGill but also reinforces Bermuda's reputation as a premier destination for top-tier talent and cutting-edge financial services in insurance.
(Word count: 1,028)
Read the Full Artemis Article at:
[ https://www.artemis.bm/news/mcgill-hires-henderson-as-ceo-bermuda-appoints-cantlay-as-president-bermuda/ ]
