How a gap-year job became a 15+ year career in insurance
GM discusses his rise through the insurance ranks
Delta Insurance is an underwriter specialising in tech and cyber-related emerging risks. It was founded in 2014 by ex-AIG colleagues Ian Pollard and Craig Kirk, who established the company hoping to subvert the insurance stereotype of being “terrible with technology.” They have since built up their own underwriting and claims management system, and introduced a number of new products to New Zealand’s insurance market.
Delta Insurance initially focused on providing cover for emerging risks in the drone, technology, cyber, manufacturing and pollution areas, and has since become the first insurer to launch a local environmental and pollution insurance policy. It has also released a product focused on intellectual property, as well as various solutions for cyber risk and drone operators – all firsts for the New Zealand market.
Delta regularly releases white papers on various emerging risks, notable ones to date including papers on IP and cyber, technology and environmental risk management.
Delta is currently based in Auckland and Singapore, and aims to establish a presence in 10 countries within 10 years. It trades with over 150 insurance brokerage firms, and was ranked number 34 in the DeloitteFast50 2017.
Delta is backed by Lloyd’s, The Allied World Assurance Company and Antares.
Delta Insurance in the news
Key people as of 2019
Ian Pollard – Group Chairman/Managing Director
Pollard is one of Delta’s co-founders, and had previously spent his career working internationally for AIG across London, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and Auckland. He currently focuses on developing opportunities for Delta on an international scale, including Singapore and other Asia-Pacific opportunities.
Craig Kirk – CEO
Kirk started his insurance career as an underwriter at Zurich before going on to join AIG, where he spent time working across both London and Auckland. After a few years at Lumley, he became a co-founder of Delta Insurance, where he now leads the New Zealand operations and is responsible for driving the company’s growth potential.
Dinesh Murali – Underwriting Manager
Murali joined Delta Insurance in late 2018, and is currently responsible for the underwriting strategy and growth of its New Zealand-based liability business. He previously spent seven years as an underwriter at AIG before joining Lumley, where he spent one year as senior underwriter – liabilities.
Petra Lucioli – Group Claims Manager/Technical Operations Manager
Lucioli oversees claims for Delta across its Auckland and Singapore offices, and is also the business lead for legal, regulatory and compliance matters, information security officer and managing director of DIMS, Delta’s technology company. Lucioli was one of Delta’s first employees, and has been central to its success.
GM discusses his rise through the insurance ranks
Find out if your colleague or employer has made the list of nominees
Fifteen organisations make the grade on the list's second year
The partnership is part of a long-term expansion strategy into Asia
Cyber insurer offers tips to ward off scammers and hackers
It warns that working from home may leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks
ICNZ says that although some risks have decreased, others have risen
"You become Tinkerbell – the glue that holds everything and everyone together!"
"There's also a bit of the detective in me that makes the insurance industry appealing"
It aims to celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals and companies in the industry