Christian Dunleavy is to take over as chief executive officer of Bermudian reinsurer Conduit Holdings.

The Bermudian industry veteran will take the helm at Conduit on March 1, 2027, succeeding Neil Eckhert, who is to retire.

On becoming CEO, Mr Dunleavy will also join Conduit’s board as an executive director, replacing Mr Eckert.

Mr Dunleavy was previously at Aspen Insurance Holdings where he several senior leadership roles over more than a decade with the Bermudian re/insurer, and brings more than 25 years of reinsurance industry experience.

Most recently, he served as as director and group president of Aspen Insurance Holdings and CEO of Aspen Bermuda.

Having joined Aspen in 2015 as global head of property catastrophe reinsurance, Mr Dunleavy went on to serve in several leadership roles, including group chief underwriting officer.

Earlier in his career, Mr Dunleavy held senior reinsurance underwriting roles at Axis Capital after beginning his career at RenaissanceRe.

He serves as chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies and an independent non-executive director of Coralisle Group and HSBC Bank Bermuda.

In a statement, Conduit said: “During Christian’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 on the New York Stock Exchange.”

Nicholas Shott, chair of Conduit, 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.”

Mr Eckert was a founder, former executive chairman and CEO of Conduit. Mr Shott said the outgoing CEO had made an “enduring contribution“ to the business.

“Under his leadership, Conduit has strengthened its market position and established a strong platform for future success,” Mr Shott added. “We wish him every success in his next venture.”

Mr Dunleavy said: “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.”

Mr Eckert co-founded Conduit with Trevor Carvey during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the holding company for the Bermuda reinsurer, Conduit Re. In December 2020, Conduit completed its initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange, raising about $1.2 billion.

Mr Eckert was appointed CEO in May 2025. Conduit said he had helped “to guide the business through a significant period of growth and leadership transition while strengthening its market profile”.

Mr Eckert said: “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."