Lockton New Zealand has appointed Peter Lowe as CEO after opening a kiwi operation in September.

Auckland-based Mr Lowe was most recently CEO at Willis Towers Watson New Zealand, where he worked for more than 15 years. He was also Senior VP at Marsh for more than 17 years until mid 2006.

Lockton Australia CEO Paul Marsden says Mr Lowe is an outstanding choice, bringing a wealth of international business experience after working in Australia, the UK, Bermuda, the US and New Zealand.

“This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Lockton as we continue to expand our global reach in markets where we know we can make the greatest difference,” Mr Marsden said. “I look forward to supporting Peter and his team as they fill a gap in the New Zealand corporate space by raising the bar on service levels offered by other brokers.”

In September, Lockton introduced insurance advisers in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch and recruited a senior team from Willis Towers Watson. All employees began working remotely in COVID lockdown until permitted to attend the new Lockton Auckland CBD office at 1 Albert Street.

Mr Marsden has previously told insuranceNEWS.com.au as many as 40 people based in New Zealand may be hired in the next three years, with expansion in other locations across the North and South Islands such as Dunedin likely in the short to medium term.

Mr Lowe - who Lockton says is a “champion of risk-led conversations” and brings contacts and understanding - expressed excitement about delivering high quality risk advice throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.

“I am determined for Lockton to continue to be the industry leader and voice in risk advice and risk management,” he said.

The new Lockton New Zealand team includes COO Melanie Harding, Head of Employee Benefits Niall Martin, Head of Captive & Alternative Risk Transfer Jessica Schade and Head of Pacific Ged McCombie.