Delta Insurance aims to expand in New Zealand and possibly Asia over the next few years, after launching this month as a specialist liability underwriting agency.

The Auckland company, founded by MD Ian Pollard and GM Craig Kirk, is a coverholder at Lloyd’s and will access capacity provided by Allied World.

“The New Zealand market is a fairly competitive market but we felt there was room for a new player,” Mr Pollard told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Our focus is long-term, so we have fairly steady growth plans over the next five years.”

Mr Pollard previously worked for AIG, most recently heading the Asia-Pacific professional liability insurance business. His 15 years with the company saw him hold positions in Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and London.

Mr Kirk was recently liability manager for Lumley New Zealand. He has also worked with AIG and Zurich and held senior professional indemnity and liability managerial roles in Australia and the UK.

Delta offers capacity ranging from $NZ100,000 to $NZ25 million ($92,800 to $23.2 million) per risk, with an initial focus on financial lines and casualty.

Other commercial lines will be added as the business grows and according to demand.