Conduit names Christian Dunleavy CEO as Neil Eckert exits

Conduit Holdings, parent company of Conduit Re, has announced that Neil Eckert will step down as CEO and executive director, effective 1 March 2027, with former Aspen Insurance Holdings director and Bermuda CEO Christian Dunleavy set to take his place.

Dunleavy brings more than 25 years of reinsurance industry experience to Conduit, most recently as director and group president of Aspen Insurance Holdings and CEO of Aspen Bermuda. Since joining Aspen in 2015 as global head of property catastrophe reinsurance, he has held a series of senior leadership roles.

During Dunleavy's time at Aspen, he and the leadership team executed a successful transformation of the business, generating strong growth, improved underwriting results and attractive returns on capital with a 2025 initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange.

Nicholas Shott, chair of Conduit Holdings, said: "Leadership succession has been a key priority for the Board, and we are delighted that we have been able to identify a high-quality candidate in Christian Dunleavy. He is a highly experienced reinsurance executive with a proven track record of underwriting excellence, leadership and strategic execution. The Board is confident that he is the right person to lead Conduit through the next stage of its development.

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Neil for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Conduit. As a founder, former Executive Chairman and CEO, he has made an enduring contribution to the business. Under his leadership, Conduit has strengthened its market position and established a strong platform for future success. We wish him every success in his next venture."

Dunleavy commented: "It's an honour to be appointed CEO of Conduit. I am excited to join the talented team supporting Conduit's customers with their complex risk solutions. I would like to thank Neil for his leadership in founding and building the company and wish him well in the future. Neil has established a strongly capitalised underwriting platform that is well positioned to thrive in today's rapidly evolving insurance, reinsurance and capital markets. I look forward to building on that success."

Neil Eckert was a founder of Conduit in 2020 and served as executive chairman before being appointed CEO in May 2025. He has played a central role in Conduit's development, helping to guide the business through a significant period of growth and leadership transition while strengthening its market profile. He has been named as the incoming CEO of Willis Re, set to join upon completion of his current role.

Neil Eckert commented: "It has been an absolute privilege to serve as CEO of Conduit, and I am deeply proud of the organisation we have built. In just five years, Conduit has evolved from a start-up into a respected reinsurance business. I believe Christian is an excellent choice to succeed me as CEO, and I am confident in Conduit's people, strategy and long-term prospects to deliver value for stakeholders. I look forward to working closely with the team over the next six months and welcoming Christian on board next March."

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