Dual in New Zealand push

Dual International has opened an office in Auckland, New Zealand.

Dual, the underwriting division of Hyperion Insurance Group, has hired a three-strong team from QBE to lead the new business.

The Dual Group currently has offices in Australia and Hong Kong.

Dual New Zealand will provide local representation to both international and local brokers.

It will write liability and financial products on behalf of Lloyd’s syndicates.

Dual New Zealand Limited will be managed by Craig Anderson. He is being joined by Martin Stroud and Paula Harris.

All three join from the corporate & specialists risks division of QBE in Auckland.

Damien Coates, managing director of Dual Asia Pacific, said: “New Zealand has a significant liability insurance market. The exceptional team Dual has recruited coupled with the capability the Dual Group is able to offer brokers will make a significant impact in the NZ market.”

Bob Van Gieson, chief executive Dual International, said: “The Dueal Group’s biggest asset is its people - our entry into new markets and territories is always led initially by finding the right local team to develop the opportunities and drive the business forward.

"We’re delighted to welcome such a high calibre team to the Dual Group. Asia Pacific represents one of the most important growth regions for Dual globally and we’re excited by the prospect of building a strong business in New Zealand.”