Ex-Lloyd’s boss Neal reverses Aon move to join AIG

Ex-Lloyds of London chief executive John Neal will join AIG as president, with him making a u-turn on his decision to join Aon.

Neal announced in January 2025 that he would step down as Lloyd’s chief executive to join Aon as global chief executive of reinsurance and global chairman of climate solutions.

He has now reversed course on his decision to join Aon, with him being announced as the new president at AIG, a role he will take up in December 2025.

In this new role, Neal will lead AIG’s general insurance organisation, which includes the North America Commercial Insurance, International Commercial Insurance and Global Personal Insurance businesses.

He will also become a member of AIG’s executive leadership team and report to chairman and chief executive Peter Zaffino.

Neal said: “AIG is an iconic, global insurance industry leader, recognised for the deep technical expertise of its team and its remarkable strategic repositioning.

“I am honoured to take on the role of president and look forward to working closely with Zaffino and AIG’s talented colleagues around the world on behalf of our clients and stakeholders.”

‘Significant depth’

Prior to working at Lloyd’s, Neal was the group chief executive at QBE, where he held several senior leadership roles including chief underwriting officer and chief operations officer for the company’s European operations. 

Zaffino said: “I have known Neal for more than 20 years and he is widely recognised as one of the most accomplished insurance executives in the industry.

“His appointment adds significant depth, global underwriting experience and talent to our leadership team. I am confident that Neal will continue to enhance our culture of underwriting excellence.”