Allied World Europe has launched a SME (small to medium sized enterprises) division that will offer professional lines products to the London market and in the UK and the European Union.

Kevin Cleary, who recently joined as vice president, will lead the division. He will be responsible for building out the division and developing a comprehensive SME. product suite. He was most recently UK development manager for Dual corporate risks.

Mr Cleary started with DUAL in 2005 as regional manager, overseeing sales and marketing in addition to setting up the regional platform. He his career at Chubb in Manchester as a directors and officers underwriter.

John Redmond, president of Allied World Europe, said: We are very excited to launch this division as we recognize the growing opportunities in this particular market. Allied World Europe has been exploring S.M.E. Professional Lines for some time and I am confident that Kevin will succeed in growing a profitable book of business. He has a considerable amount of experience and expertise in this area.

Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, through its subsidiaries, is a provider of property, casualty and specialty insurance and reinsurance solutions, offering client service through offices in Bermuda, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and the US.