Paul Phillips, Tenda Honored with Captive Industry's Top Awards

At its annual International Conference, the Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) honored Paul Phillips, partner and Global Captive Network Tax & Strategy leader at Ernst & Young LLP (EY), with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award. Tenda, a member of the Ilitch Companies family of businesses, received the 2025 Outstanding Captive Award. 

The Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual or entity that has made a significant contribution to the captive insurance industry. Mr. Phillips has worked in the sector for over 30 years, playing a role in more than 1,000 captive formations. He helped launch EY's Captive Insurance Team in 2012 and has advised Fortune 500 companies. 

Mr. Phillips' interest in captive insurance began early in his public accounting career. He values the industry's consultative nature and the ability to simplify complex financial models for clients. In addition to his work at EY, he has spoken on industry panels, collaborated with lobbying groups to educate lawmakers on insurance matters, and contributed to the 2002 revenue rulings that established safe harbors for captives. He has been included on the Captive Review Power 50 list since 2017 and was inducted into the Captive Insurance Industry Hall of Fame in 2024. 

"I am very honored and appreciative of the recognition. When I see the list of past recipients, I am humbled to be standing in their company," Mr. Phillips said. 

(Photo of Paul Phillips courtesy of CICA) 

The Outstanding Captive Award recognizes a captive insurer or risk retention group that has demonstrated innovation, strong management, and industry recognition. Tenda was created to offer flexibility, innovation, and problem-solving abilities and provides a range of insurance solutions, including continuously expanding and enhancing coverage options for health coverage, property and casualty coverage, and life insurance. The Ilitch Companies, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, include the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, and Little Caesars,® among other businesses.

Tenda has expanded its model to serve family offices and privately held businesses facing challenges in securing quality insurance.

"Tenda has been successful over the last several years due to a strong and knowledgeable team, continuous strategic planning, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are committed to doing things the right way the first time," said Jennifer Allen, director of Insurance & Risk Solutions at IFO Group, LLC.