Allied World Assurance Co. (US) Inc. has entered the US primary casualty market with new admitted capabilities.

Allied World, a member of Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd., said Kevin Behan, senior vice-president of general casualty, brokerage, is based in New York and heads up this department. Mr. Behan has 16 years of experience at American International Group and 10 years at Zurich.

The company's US main general liability capability is a retail insurance brokerage initiative that targets a number of industries, including real estate, retailers, service industries, manufacturers, light to moderate chemical companies, select energy companies, the US operations of foreign companies and more.

In April, Bermuda-based re/insurance group Allied World Assurance opened its first Asia operation in Hong Kong with an aim to expand its services and products in the region's fast-growing markets.