Mark Williams
Director

Mark joined Acacia Insurance after a stellar career as one of Australia’s leading insurance lawyers.

Mark joined the award-winning law firm Lander & Rogers in 2002 to start up the insurance practice in Sydney. For many years, as partner, he was responsible for leading and developing the Sydney insurance practice, now widely acknowledged for its expertise in the insurance industry. 

Whilst at Landers, Mark specialised in professional indemnity, directors and officers and general liability.

In addition to handling many claims of various descriptions and complexities on behalf of both insureds and insurers alike, he has also played leading roles on many of Australia’s major claims, including: 

• ASIC investigations following the collapse of major companies like Allco and Hastie
• Multimillion-dollar claims involving the collapse of companies like Great Southern
• Claims against directors following corporate failures, including the Adsteam litigation in the 1990s.

Mark has also been engaged by global corporations to advise on policy construction and interpretation.

Mark brings outstanding industry experience to Acacia and enhances our ability to provide clients with the very best broking and risk management services.

Julie Hooper
Acacia Rural Consultant

Julie has over 17 years association with the rural insurance sector, both from an underwriting and broking perceptive. She comes to us from a successful broking business of her own, allowing her to understand the demands and requirements of business owners, in particular those within the Australian rural communities. In addition to her insurance broking qualifications, Julie has also obtained degrees in Teaching and Education.

Julie’s passion for rural insurance, stems from time spent on family properties near Brewarrina, Tottenham, Scone and Pindimar NSW.  This has given her a deep understanding of how important local communities and sporting clubs are to individuals, particularly when times are difficult.  In turn, this lead Julie to develop a sponsorship initiative aimed at financially supporting rural clubs and the wellbeing of their rural families and she is delighted to bring this experience with her to Acacia Rural Insurance.

Julie also brings a wonderful service ethic and empathy for our rural clients and has developed close relationships in rural Australia, with both clients and key rural insurers. She will be an integral factor in growing our presence within the rural market, working closely with our team to provide outstanding advice and service.

Robert Wallace
Head of Workers Compensation Services

Rob has worked in the workers compensation industry for 30 plus years and has extensive experience in all areas of workers compensation including premium minimisation. During his career, Rob has held a number of senior positions with multi-national insurance companies and advisory firms, including Workers Compensation Principal, National Claims Manager and NSW Claims Manager.

Rob’s areas of expertise include strategic and operational management, change management, business improvement, leakage reduction and technical expertise in claims and injury management. He has implemented strategic and operational plans focused on service delivery and strategies to improve return to work rates, control expenses and the reduction of associated claims liability and premiums.

Rob has partnered with numerous clients to effectively manage their workers compensation program, a few examples include:

• ARA Group
• Insurance Australia Group (IAG)
• Hanson Australia
• Microsoft
• Google Australia
• Herbert Smith Freehills
• Koppers Australia
• Bergin’s Logging
• The Co-Group