Insurance broker Lockton has appointed Craig Buckle as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its New Zealand operations, effective January 1, 2024,
Buckle will succeed Peter Lowe, who is to retire at the end of this year.
This appointment is in alignment with Lockton Pacific’s succession planning in New Zealand, which highlights the company’s commitment to nurturing leadership from within.
Paul Marsden, CEO at Lockton Pacific, commented on the appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Craig to this crucial role. 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 served as the Head of the Corporate Risk business division since 2021, playing a pivotal role in establishing Lockton New Zealand, and uniting the team under a shared purpose.
Buckle said: “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. We are well-prepared to continue our growth trajectory, delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”
His expertise spans over 30 years in corporate risk insurance management, having held leadership roles at Marsh, Allianz, and Willis Towers Watson New Zealand.
Lowe has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2021 and, prior to this, held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Willis Towers Watson New Zealand. The company stated that he has been instrumental in building successful, client-focused risk and insurance broking firms in the Pacific region and introduced alternative risk transfer and financing concepts to businesses across America, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Marsden added: “Peter is an accomplished and highly effective business leader. 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.”
Lowe commented: “It’s been an honor to lead this great company. 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.”
