We’re pleased to introduce Hamish MacLean, Managing Director at Delta Insurance Australia. With over 25 years of industry experience across broking, underwriting and insurer leadership, Hamish brings deep market knowledge, a strong relationship ethos and a genuine passion for supporting brokers and their clients.
Based in Melbourne, Hamish will be instrumental in accelerating the expansion throughout the Australian market and cementing Delta as a local partner of choice for specialist SME risks.
A career built on relationships
Hamish’s insurance career began in the late 1990s, initially as a stop‑gap role while he waited to start a journalism course. His plans were to follow the New Zealand Cricket team around the world, working as a sports journalist. But it was the variety of the work and, above all, the people he met along the way that ultimately drew Hamish into the insurance industry. Entering the 2000s as a broker, Hamish soon gained experience across business development, affinity distribution and senior leadership roles across ANZ. Hamish ultimately settled in Melbourne, where he led national affinity and commercial practices and, more recently, managed state and regional operations across southern Australia.
Reflecting on his career so far, Hamish says the biggest constant has been the people. He adds, “No two days are ever the same. I’ve always loved building strong relationships and many of those relationships have turned into long‑term friendships, with brokers, customers, colleagues and even competitors.”
What Hamish brings to Delta
Hamish is known for his relationship‑driven approach, strategic thinking and strong understanding of the Australian broking landscape. Kent Chaplin, CEO of Delta Insurance Group, says, “With a deep expertise in the Australian insurance landscape and a drive for distribution, Hamish is perfectly positioned to elevate Delta’s value proposition. He will play a key role in forging stronger broker relationships and leading the Australian team to meet our ambitious growth targets.”
Hamish highlights, “The Group’s long-standing relationship with Lloyd’s of London carriers and AM Best’s Excellent Performance Assessment, awarded for four consecutive years, are real points of difference in the Australian market.”
His immediate focus is to gain a deep understanding of Delta and strengthen its broker partnerships across the country. “The clarity of vision here is compelling. This is a defining year for Delta, and I’m eager to be part of this next phase”, says Hamish.
A collaborative leadership style
When it comes to leadership, Hamish describes his style as open, curious and supportive. He places great value on understanding what people do day‑to‑day and how he can best enable them to succeed. “I want to foster a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions and offering ideas,” he says, adding that “it’s important everyone knows we’re in it together and we’ll work through it together."
A little more about Hamish
Outside of work, Hamish has been married for 23 years to Sarah and has three adult children – plus a much‑loved chocolate Labrador, Eddie. He’s an enthusiastic (if self‑confessedly untalented) golfer, an avid reader, and a loyal supporter of the Black Caps, All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury NPC.
We’re delighted to have Hamish on board and look forward to the experience, perspective and energy he brings as we continue to grow and support our broker partners across Australia.
