Lockton has launched an affinity schemes business in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, offering customised insurance for franchises, associations, sports, trade groups, non-profits and professional organisations.

Sydney-based Tanya Dasgupta takes the role of National Manager – Affinity Schemes. She spent nine years at Aon, most recently as Head of Partnerships and Growth – Affinity Professional Services.

Annie Pathania joins Lockton as Partnerships & Distribution Lead. She spent five years at Aon, most recently as Partnerships & Growth Manager – Affinity Professional Services.

Lockton says affinity groups seek creation of "all-encompassing, innovative insurance solutions that are exclusive to their individual groups and members,” and says it excels at custom-tailoring insurance plans with the best protection and rates.

Lockton works with non-profits, financial, legal and healthcare associations, fitness and wellness groups, automotive businesses and more.

SME customers want more than a “transaction online,” Ms Dasgupta says, and Lockton’s industry expertise and “ability to build relationships based on trust and credibility” will make it stand out.

Lockton CEO Australia and Pacific Region Paul Marsden says SMEs are the largest employer and a segment where “we can make a genuine difference through breakthrough innovations that meet their unmet needs”.

“In a digital world, customer needs and expectations grow fast and far outpace current market offerings,” he said.

“We are not interested in commoditising insurance policies. Tanya and Annie bring to Lockton all the capability and know-how required to set the bar even higher for service in the SME space and create an insurance experience that meets and exceeds the ever-changing expectations of customers.”