Global insurance broker Lockton has appointed Craig Buckle as its New Zealand chief executive officer, effective from January.
Buckle succeeds Peter Lowe, who led the broker group’s expansion into the Pacific region. Lowe retires at the end of
the year.
The new CEO has led Lockton’s corporate risk business since 2021 and has been a key part of the group’s growth in the NZ market.
"We are thrilled to welcome Craig to this crucial role," said Paul Marsden, CEO at Lockton Pacific.
"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."
Buckle has over 30 years of experience in corporate risk insurance management and has previously held leadership roles at Marsh, Allianz, and Willis Towers Watson New Zealand.
Lowe retires after more than three years in the top job. Prior to joining Lockton, he was CEO at Willis Towers Watson New Zealand.
Lockton said Lowe was “instrumental in building successful, client-focused risk and insurance broking firms in the Pacific region”, introducing alternative risk transfer and financing concepts to businesses across America, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
"Peter is an accomplished and highly effective business leader," Marsden said. "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."
"It's been an honour to lead this great company," Lowe said.. "Very few privately owned firms are as relevant, resilient, and successful as Lockton is today. I leave with the same thought I had the day I became CEO: the best is yet to come for Lockton New Zealand."
Buckle added: "I am thankful to Peter and the Lockton leadership team for their support and confidence in me. 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."
Lockton said it was committed to its growth objectives in the Pacific region.
"We are well-prepared to continue our growth trajectory, delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”
