Exactly nine weeks from now, Lockton New Zealand corporate risk head Craig Buckle (pictured) will become NZ chief executive.
Buckle – whose three-decade career spans time spent at Marsh, Allianz, and WTW – is succeeding CEO Peter Lowe on January 1, 2024. Retiring at the end of this year, Lowe joined the privately owned independent insurance broker in 2021 to lead its expansion into New Zealand.
“Peter is an accomplished and highly effective business leader,” Lockton Pacific chief executive Paul Marsden said in a release sent to Insurance Business. “We are extremely grateful for his contribution to establishing and instilling the Lockton culture in New Zealand.
“He has successfully launched our business in the country, setting up three offices and assembling a team of 30 highly skilled professionals while earning the trust of many of New Zealand’s leading businesses. Currently, Lockton New Zealand manages an impressive portfolio that continues to grow at a rapid pace.”
For the outgoing chief, “it’s been an honour” having led what he considers a great company.
“Very few privately owned firms are as relevant, resilient, and successful as Lockton is today,” he said. “I leave with the same thought I had the day I became CEO: the best is yet to come for Lockton New Zealand.”
The promoted leader, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude.
“I am thankful to Peter and the Lockton leadership team for their support and confidence in me,” Buckle said. “We have terrific momentum and the capabilities and expertise needed to drive innovation and growth, deliver critical client solutions, and create value for shareholders.
“I look forward to partnering with our colleagues to write our next chapter. We are well-prepared to continue our growth trajectory, delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Marsden called Buckle’s upcoming role “crucial” to what’s ahead for Lockton New Zealand.
“Craig’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to our company’s growth ambitions will propel us to even greater heights and strengthen our client service offering across the Pacific region,” he said.
Globally, Lockton employs around 10,000 people. Founded in 1966 in the US, the brokerage turned two years old in New Zealand in September.
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