Tributes paid as insurance veteran passes away

Gordon Rowell, the former head of insurance at the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), has passed away.

Rowell served in the role from 2001 to 2003 and then again from 2009 to 2013.

Beyond his role at CIMA, he worked with the UK government during its review of the British Overseas Dependent Territories by KPMG in 2020. He was also a member of the delegation working closely with the Financial Action Task Force.

His career also saw him work as the chief executive at Cayman Islands National Insurance, vice president at Marsh Management Services (Cayman), chief reinsurance officer at TWG Re and chief operating officer at Time Insurance Company.

Tributes

CIMA chief executive Cindy Scotland said that Rowell’s “contributions have forever shaped the insurance sector”.

Scotland added: “Rowell was a visionary whose dedication paved the way for the current success of the insurance industry.

“He was also instrumental in laying the ground work for the quickly expanding reinsurance market. Beyond his professional brilliance, he had an incredible ability to bring lightness and laughter to any situation, making even the toughest days brighter.

“A true intellectual, he rose through the ranks with determination, earning the admiration and respect of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”

Meanwhile, the Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC) said it was ”deeply saddened to learn of the passing” of Rowell.

”IMAC recognises Rowell’s immense contributions to the Cayman Islands insurance market and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” it added.