Greg Delleney
Chief analyst
South Carolina Department of Insurance
Personal bio: I was born and raised in a small town south of Charlotte, North Carolina, but now I live and work in Columbia, South Carolina.
While I enjoy playing golf, boating and fishing when I’m not working, my favourite thing is spending time with my beautiful wife and our two daughters.
Professional profile: I graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina in 2010 with a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
After graduation, I accepted a job with the South Carolina Department of Insurance regulating workers’ compensation and medical malpractice insurance rates and policy forms.
From there, I made an internal jump to the captives division in 2014 and began working as a financial analyst. It was as a result of this move that I discovered something I really loved and was able to take several different roles, ultimately being promoted to chief analyst in 2020.
I am currently pursuing the associate in captive insurance designation.
How did you end up in the captive industry?
After exploring opportunities to learn and grow in the insurance industry, I was exposed to the captive space and, like many others, I was immediately intrigued.
I quickly figured out that captives were much more exciting and a better fit for my skill set.
In 2014, I joined our captives division and haven’t looked back! If you are in the insurance and risk management world, the captive space is where to be!
What has been your highlight in the captive industry so far?
One of the things I am most proud of is when I was promoted to chief analyst at the department. In this position I am able to take a more visual and impactful role within our domicile promotion team. I also enjoy attending conferences and meeting people from all over the globe.
What/who have been your influences in the captive industry?
I have been very lucky to have had several mentors in my career. One of the strongest influences on me was my late friend, co-worker and mentor, Jeff Kehler.
Jeff was truly one-of-a-kind and left a lasting impact on me. Jeff loved captives and the people in the industry.
His energy and positivity taught me how to interact with the industry and how to regulate the industry in a thorough, compassionate and effective manner.
What is your impression of the industry?
The captive industry is cutting-edge, flexible and efficient. It is an exciting industry filled with people that implement unique and creative ideas.
What are your aspirations for your career in the captive industry?
One of the most exciting aspects about serving in my current role is seeing new applications and kicking around new, innovative ideas for business plans for new captives, or to amend current business plans with a variety of captive managers and other service providers. Each captive is different and there is always something to learn.
I plan to continue to grow in the industry and learn as much as I can along the way. My main aspiration is to ensure that captives are regulated appropriately in South Carolina, and that I ensure the success of the growing portfolio of captive companies that call South Carolina home.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in the industry?
Take every day as a learning opportunity. Although you will have a hard time explaining to the general public what you do, it is a very exciting and niche space to work within the overall insurance community. If you choose this route, ask good questions and soak up knowledge like a sponge. There is so much to learn in this industry and so many great people willing to teach you!
Joe McDonald, director of captives, South Carolina Department of Insurance “Greg Delleney is a fundamental part of the South Carolina captive division. He is not only the epitome of a captive insurance regulator, but his understanding of complex risk financing and transfer mechanisms is world-class. He is a team player who adds tremendous value, and we owe much of our success to what he brings to the table.”
