John Neal has commended the “collaboration, commitment and camaraderie” of his London market colleagues, thanking “everyone who trusted this lowly motor underwriter to lead Lloyd’s for almost seven years”.

Mr Neal left the CEO role at Lloyd’s yesterday, handing over to Patrick Tiernan. He will now join Aon as global CEO of reinsurance and chairman of climate solutions.

“As I step down ... I reflect on an incredible journey that began in 1985: from my early days as a trainee commercial motor underwriter at Lloyd’s to buying Ensign and running my own Lloyd’s business, to a full-circle journey in becoming its CEO,” Mr Neal said.  

“It has been a rare privilege and honour to have had the chance to repay the debt I felt I owed to this unique market, which shaped my career in many respects and gave me so much along the way.” 

Mr Neal – who replaced Inga Beale as CEO in 2018 – said he is “filled with a mix of emotions and a deep sense of gratitude for the many colleagues, friends and peers who have played a huge role in turning the great ship of Lloyd’s around. 

“From dramatically turning around our financial performance to embracing digitalisation ... to transforming the culture of our market, together we have worked tirelessly to restore Lloyd’s to its world-leading position.”

Mr Neal said he is excited to join Aon and “continue contributing to the industry I love”.

He thanked former chair Bruce Carnegie-Brown for the opportunity to lead Lloyd’s, and said he is “delighted” Charles Roxburgh as chair and Mr Tiernan as CEO will take the market forward. 

“I have no doubt they will be incredibly successful.”