The chief executive officer of Lloyd’s, John Neal, is to leave the insurance marketplace this year to join Aon as global CEO of reinsurance and global chairman of climate solutions.

During his six years at Lloyd’s, Neal led a reset in the strategic direction of the world’s largest insurance marketplace, leaving it in the strongest financial position for many years. He also set up Lloyd’s strategic agenda to deliver digital, operational and cultural change at the Leadenhall institution.

Over the course of his tenure, Neal led Lloyd’s through Brexit, rising interest rates and inflation, a global pandemic and geopolitical conflict. Throughout this time, he has also been instrumental in promoting the strength and contribution of the insurance industry to critical stakeholders, as well as advancing strategic partnerships with the UN and governments around the globe.

Commenting on Neal’s departure, Lloyd’s chairman, Bruce Carnegie-Brown, said: “Since appointing John as CEO in 2018, he has made a tremendous contribution to Lloyd’s. Today we see excellent performance at Lloyd’s, real strategic intent and execution, and an industry-leading voice that is valued by governments, regulators and customers around the world. During 2025, John will continue to support both the planned succession of a new Chair of the Council of Lloyd’s and the executive leadership transition.”

Neal, added: “I will be forever grateful to my colleagues and many others across the Lloyd’s market for the opportunity to put in place a framework that has delivered strong and sustainable financial performance and positions Lloyd’s for future success. At Aon, I’m looking forward to supporting colleagues as they look to serve clients’ reinsurance needs and deliver smart insurance solutions that help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, especially with regard to the climate transition.”

Commenting on the announcement, Sheila Cameron, CEO of the LMA, paid credit to Neal's willing to tackle "long ignored problems".

“We wish John well in his new role at Aon," she said. "We thank him for his service to the market over the last six years, when he helped restore confidence in the Lloyd’s marketplace leading to record underwriting results from managing agents. We also pay credit to John’s willingness to tackle problems that had been long ignored, such as the market’s back-office infrastructure and the market’s cultural agenda.

"The Lloyd’s Market Association will continue to help lead the market on these points during this transitionary period. We look forward to working closely with Bruce Carnegie-Brown and Sir Charles Roxburgh on the selection process for his successor.”

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