Lloyd’s will lose a “core member” of its commercial leadership team next April when Chris Mackinnon departs.

The market’s regional director for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) is leaving to pursue new opportunities, a spokesperson told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Mr Mackinnon led the market’s Australian business for almost a decade before taking the wider regional role last year.

An email to Lloyd’s Australian service company CEOs said Mr Mackinnon will work closely with the commercial and regional leadership teams to ensure a smooth transition.

“Chris has been a core member of the Lloyd’s commercial leadership team, and a true market ambassador, playing a pivotal role in strengthening Lloyd’s presence in Australia and, more recently, across the entire APMEA region from our Singapore hub,” the email said.

Mr Mackinnon took the Australian leadership role in 2015 and helped to increase gross written premium in the country from $US1.5 billion ($2.3 billion) to $US3.5 billion ($5.3 billion) last year.

“Since then, he’s expertly led our regional team, championed our culture, and driven growth through our commercial strategy,” the note to service providers said. 

Mr Mackinnon also has more than two decades’ experience in the international insurance broking industry in London and Sydney, holding positions at Marsh, Aon, Gallagher and Gow-Gates before joining Lloyd’s.