Lockton launches new affinity business in Australia, NZ & Pacific with Aon hires

Global re/insurance broker  Lockton has launched a new affinity business in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific with dual hires from Aon.

The business will be led by Tanya Dasgupta who recently joined Lockton as national manager – affinity schemes from Aon.

Dasgupta has nearly 20 years’ experience within the affinity SME segment and has an extensive background in strategic growth planning, developing customised digital insurance solutions, and spearheading distribution and partnership models across both direct-to-market and association groups. She has worked in senior partnership and distribution management roles with leading international broking firms across Australia and New Zealand.

Annie Pathania will be working closely with Dasgupta as partnerships & distribution lead, who also joins Lockton from Aon.

“In a digital world, customer needs and expectations grow fast and far outpace current market offerings,” said Paul Marsden, Lockton chief executive officer (Australia and Pacific Region). “SMEs are by far the largest employer and a segment where we can make a genuine difference through breakthrough innovations that meets their unmet needs.”

Dasgupta added: “In 2023, SME customers want more than a transaction online. People want to build a relationship with a brand and have a personalised experience. Our industry expertise and ability to build relationships based on trust and credibility will drive greater customer experiences. This is how we’ll be different.”

Marsden concluded: “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.”

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