Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Philip van Zyl is a people-focused leader with 35 years of experience at Sedgwick, having progressed through a range of senior roles that reflect both his depth of expertise and long- standing commitment to the organisation.
Throughout his career, van Zyl has been recognised for building strong, engaged teams and fostering a culture where people are supported to perform at their best. Appointed chief executive officer for New Zealand in January 2020, he leads the business with a clear focus on empowering colleagues, strengthening capability and positioning the organisation for the future, keeping Sedgwick at the forefront of loss adjusting and claims management.
In November 2025, his role expanded to include Australia as interim CEO, while continuing his duties as CEO of New Zealand, reflecting his ability to lead at scale while maintaining a strong connection to people across the business. Before becoming CEO in 2020, van Zyl served as northern regional manager for New Zealand, where he developed a reputation for collaborative leadership, operational discipline and continuous improvement.
A strong advocate for innovation, van Zyl has consistently championed the use of technology to enhance outcomes for both employees and clients, supporting more efficient, connected and resilient ways of working. As interim CEO for Australia and CEO for New Zealand, he continues to balance strategic growth with genuine care for people, ensuring Sedgwick remains well positioned for the future.
139 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023
(312) 784 6010
philip.vanzyl@sedgwick.com
linkedin.com/in/philip-van-zyl-63691985
sedgwick.com
Philip van Zyl
Chief Executive Officer Sedgwick New Zealand
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2013–2019
2019–2020
2020–2025
2025–Present
2024
Northern Regional Manager at Sedgwick
2013–2019
Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Sedgwick
2019–2020
Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand, at Sedgwick
2020–2025
Interim Chief Executive Officer for Australia and CEO for New Zealand at Sedgwick
2025–Present
Chief Executive Officer at Ryan Specialty
Succeeded Pat Ryan as CEO of Ryan Specialty in October, as the firm prepared to enter its 15th year of providing innovative solutions for the insurance industry
2024
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.