Willis Re, a renowned firm specializing in reinsurance advice and brokerage, has officially named Neil Eckert as its new Chief Executive Officer. Eckert is a highly experienced figure within the reinsurance and capital markets, bringing a wealth of knowledge to his new role.
Eckert's transition to Willis Re follows his tenure at Conduit Re, a Bermuda-based reinsurer he co-founded in 2020. At Conduit Re, he initially served as Executive Chairman before ascending to the CEO position in 2025. His impending role at Willis Re will commence after fulfilling his current contractual obligations.
In his capacity as CEO, Eckert will be responsible for spearheading Willis Re's worldwide broking and advisory framework. He will collaborate closely with the company's senior leadership to advance its expansion across all platforms.
With approximately four decades of profound experience spanning the reinsurance, insurance, and capital markets, Eckert is exceptionally well-equipped for this leadership position. His career journey includes diverse roles in broking, risk transfer, underwriting, and providing capital to the insurance industry.
Eckert's career began in 1986 as a reinsurance broker at Benfield Group plc, where he quickly rose to join the board of directors in 1988. A significant milestone in his career was the establishment of Benfield & Rea Investment Trust in 1995. This investment vehicle was designed to secure capital for underwriting operations at Lloyd's and various insurance companies. This trust later transformed into Brit Insurance Holdings plc in 1999, where Eckert served as the inaugural CEO until 2005, and subsequently as a non-executive director until 2008.
Further demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Eckert co-founded Climate Exchange plc in 2005, a specialized platform for carbon-emissions trading. He led this company as CEO until its acquisition in 2010. His ventures also extend to the environmental and climate risk sector, where he founded or chaired entities such as Trading Emissions plc and Econergy plc. Currently, he also holds the position of Chairman at IncubEx, an environmental derivatives platform situated in Chicago.
More recently, Eckert played a pivotal role in the formation of Conduit Holdings Limited. He was instrumental in raising $1 billion through its initial public offering, an achievement that Willis Re noted as the largest IPO for a start-up on the London Stock Exchange at that time.
Lucy Clarke, a Board Member at Willis Re, expressed her enthusiasm about Eckert's appointment, highlighting his vast experience, entrepreneurial drive, and technological acumen within the industry. She emphasized that Eckert's career, deeply rooted in reinsurance but also encompassing insurance broking, capital, technology, and climate initiatives, aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of clients and trading partners. Clarke believes his leadership will sharpen Willis Re's offerings and accelerate its growth objectives.
Eckert himself conveyed his delight in joining Willis Re during what he described as a crucial period for the business. Drawing from his extensive experience on both the broking and capital sides of the industry, he stated his understanding of client and market requirements: technical excellence, insightful capital management, and innovative application of technology to improve outcomes. He looks forward to collaborating with the team to build upon Willis Re's existing momentum and deliver exceptional value to clients, colleagues, and shareholders alike.
This appointment marks a significant strategic move for Willis Re, positioning the company for continued innovation and leadership in the global reinsurance market. Eckert’s proven track record and broad expertise are expected to drive the firm's strategic initiatives and strengthen its market presence.
