Profile
Martha Bane is property practice leader at Gallagher Insurance. Across her tenure, she has navigated multiple market-disrupting events: 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 financial crisis, COVID-19, and the hard property market of 2025. Each episode brought intense pressure, rapidly shifting conditions, and difficult conversations with clients.
Bane says, “The biggest challenge is managing client expectations during these market-dislocating events while maintaining their trust. Staying calm and steady for my team helped keep us focused on delivering the solutions our clients are counting on.” That ability to lead through volatility is a hallmark of her elite performance.
Bane, who left her native Ireland for the US over 30 years ago, describes her greatest achievement not as a single transaction or title, but as the personal and professional growth she has experienced throughout her career. She credits this to the leaders and colleagues who saw potential in her and invested their time in her development. The friendships and partnerships forged along the way are, in her view, just as significant as any commercial success. That humility and gratitude infuse her leadership style and the culture she builds around her.
Professionally, Bane’s defining strength is her relentless drive to keep getting better. “I have a solid work ethic, which I give credit to my parents for. What really motivates me is continuous improvement – not just for myself, but for the team,” she says. “It’s about constantly looking for ways we can do better, solve problems more effectively, and deliver more value for our clients.”
Her approach is grounded in the belief that learning never stops. As technology transforms how risk is analyzed, priced, and managed, Bane is continually exploring new tools, emerging trends, and more effective ways to serve clients. She blends this forward-looking mindset with a relationship-first philosophy, recognizing that even the most sophisticated solutions are only powerful when built on trust.
As a woman in the industry, Bane considers herself fortunate to have worked alongside strong female leaders throughout her career. She is keenly aware, however, that many women still face barriers to advancement. Honored by IBA as one of 2026’s Elite Women, she is intentional about advocating for others, recommending women for roles, ensuring their contributions are visible, and opening doors to networks and opportunities.
“I would promote our industry as a career path as much as possible and challenge the perception that insurance is an unexciting career,” says Bane. “There are real pathways to advancement and leadership for those willing to put in the work. We need more women leaders; different perspectives make us all better.”
500 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
310 963 9955
Martha_Bane@ajg.com
linkedin.com/in/martha-bane-47b633b
ajg.com/insurance/property-insurance
Martha Bane
Managing Director, Property Practice Gallagher
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
1994
2003
2013
2020
Present
Moved to the US from Ireland and “accidentally” started a career in the insurance industry
1994
Joined Gallagher as a Property Broker in the Real Estate and Hospitality Practice
2003
Named Managing Director of Gallagher’s Property Practice
2013
Named to Business Insurance’s Women to Watch
2020
Serves as a frequent industry speaker and thought leader on property insurance trends
Present
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.