Mr Buckley joined the Exchange in 1991, taking up his present position in 1992. He will be 60 in April 2004.
Speaking today, he said:
"It has long been my intention to change gear from full-time employment when I reached 60 if at all possible and the board have been aware for some years that I would step down when I reached that anniversary. Contributing to the development of a great City institution over what will be thirteen years has been both challenging and stimulating."
Peter Kitching, Chairman of the Exchange said:
"Jim Buckley has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Exchange during a most critical time for the Baltic. His key role in the recovery from the IRA bombing was crucial to the Baltic's survival. Its international reputation in his time as its Chief Executive has been substantially enhanced. He has worked tirelessly to extremely good effect in promoting its unique strengths and those of the wider London maritime market place."
Plans for identifying Mr Buckley's successor are underway.
