Michael Hanson Elected as New BDA Board Chair

Stuart Lacey Joins as New Director

HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On December 5, the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) held its Annual General Meeting and Board of Directors meeting. At this meeting, the BDA board unanimously elected Michael Hanson to be the BDA’s new Chair, and Susan Pateras, as Deputy Chair.

Mr. Hanson said, “Like many organisations, the BDA has had to weather extraordinary circumstances over the past 12 months. So, in that context, I would first like to recognise the incredible BDA employees, who have been exemplary in their relentless focus on our mission to grow and diversify the Bermuda economy. The Board recognises their efforts, and we take very seriously our collective mandate to positively impact inward investment into our island's economy. We continue this mission with significant intent.”

Mr. Hanson continued, "I also would like to specifically mention some of our fellow Directors who rotate off the Board this year at the completion of our prescribed six-year terms. On behalf of the entire BDA, we thank Stephen Weinstein for his years of service, particularly for his last two as Chair when he helped to steer the organisation through strategic and operational changes that positioned the BDA to continue and enhance its vital mission. Stephen's passion and vision to maintain and expand Bermuda’s global (re)insurance leadership, to establish Bermuda as a climate finance capital, and his tireless energy in organising our inaugural Bermuda Climate and Risk Summits are well known to many.”

“We also thank Andrea Jackson for her consistent and strong advocacy for over six years in the Private Client and High Net Worth sector. Andrea will be sorely missed - as will Barclay Simmons, whose assistance on the financial challenges of COVID 19 proved invaluable. Stephen, Andrea and Barclay continue to be huge supporters of Bermuda and will remain engaged in the BDA’s important mission in various other capacities.”

“Finally, I would also like to welcome Stuart Lacey to the Board. Stuart is the current CEO of Summit Junto, a global community of innovators, leaders, change makers and visionaries bound through carefully curated forums and advisory boards to maximise impact and positive change. Prior to this, Mr. Lacey spent over 20 years founding multiple class-leading businesses, where he applied his leadership experience in the C-Suite of global financial and technology markets, developing a keen eye for identifying talent, growing successful teams, and harnessing technology to create innovative, global solutions. Most recently, Stuart has also co-founded the Bermuda Clarity Institute, a premier executive leadership, management consultancy and experiential training institute in Bermuda that drives performance by providing organisational clarity. We look forward to his contribution over this next critical year as Bermuda faces a myriad of macro political and socioeconomic issues and opportunities.”

CONNECTING BUSINESS

The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, relocate, or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business in Bermuda smooth and beneficial.