Conduit appoints Mark Pickering as CFO in leadership transition

Conduit Holdings has appointed Mark Pickering (pictured) as chief financial officer, effective November 30, with the former Aspen Insurance Holdings executive also joining the board as an executive director as part of a planned leadership transition.

Pickering will be responsible for supporting strategy, capital management, financial reporting and oversight of Conduit’s investment portfolio.

Pickering joins Conduit from Aspen Insurance Holdings, where he has served as group CFO and treasurer. He has spent 11 years at Aspen, holding roles including group treasurer, CFO and CEO of Aspen Bermuda, as well as group chief capital management officer.

He played a leading role in Aspen’s initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2025 and its subsequent acquisition by Sompo, completed in February 2026.

Pickering has nearly 25 years of reinsurance industry experience in total, having previously held senior roles at Platinum Underwriters and Marsh McLennan. 

His appointment follows Elaine Whelan’s decision to retire as CFO and executive director, effective September 30. Whelan joined Conduit as CFO in January 2021.

Neil Eckert, CEO of Conduit Holdings, said: "We are delighted to welcome Mark to Conduit. He brings extensive experience across the global reinsurance market and a strong track record of financial leadership. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop the business and execute our long-term strategy. We look forward to the contribution he will make as a member of our executive team and board."

Whelan said: “It has been a privilege to serve as CFO of Conduit and to work alongside such talented colleagues during an important period in the company’s development. As with any start-up venture, there have been challenges along the way, but I have enjoyed working through them with the team. I am proud of what we have achieved together and, in particular, of my fantastic finance team. I am grateful for the support, friendship and commitment of colleagues across the business, and I leave Conduit with great confidence in its future.”

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