World Insurance Associates has appointed John Newell as chief executive officer, as founder Rich Eknoian transitions to the role of executive chairman.

The leadership change follows a multi-year succession plan and comes as the brokerage continues to expand its position as one of the largest independent firms in the U.S., generating more than $700 million in annual revenue across commercial insurance, employee benefits, retirement services, and wealth management.

Eknoian, who founded the company in 2011, will remain involved in strategic initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, while stepping back from day-to-day operations.

Newell joins from Newfront, where he served as chief commercial officer. Prior to that, he spent over two decades at Marsh in senior leadership roles, including overseeing a major regional business and serving on the firm’s U.S. executive committee.

At World, Newell will focus on driving organic growth, deepening industry specialisation, and advancing the firm’s use of technology, including AI tools to support brokers and client service teams.

The transition comes amid ongoing consolidation in the insurance brokerage sector, where firms are increasingly combining acquisitions with digital investment to expand capabilities and improve efficiency.