Profile
Wanda Phillips serves as Executive Vice President and Head of the Entertainment Division at Arch Insurance, and has built an enduring reputation through effective leadership, creative solutions, and empathy. Having reached incredible career success through a nonconventional pathway, she believes that remaining authentic has been one of the key factors for her achievements.
Following Arch Insurance’s acquisition of the U.S. MidCorp and Entertainment businesses in 2024, Phillips took on the challenging task of transitioning her team while bringing her clients along. She attributes the success of this transition to an organization-wide embrace of change, using this juncture to solve existing strategic and operational issues.
“Change can create uncertainty, so my focus is on maintaining consistency, trust, and transparency while helping clients see the value of what we are building,” she explains. “My long-term hope is to use this challenge as an opportunity to build on the trust we already have with our customers by staying closely connected, listening carefully to their needs, and ensuring our teams remain aligned around service excellence.”
This ability to pivot strategically has allowed Phillips to lead her team through other major changes, such as market fluctuations. To execute these strategies, she prioritizes leading by example.
“My ability to align people, priorities, and objectives allows me to stay focused on strategy and drive meaningful execution,” she says. “I’m comfortable setting clear directions and executing against them, but I also understand that strategy isn’t static.”
She adds, “When conditions shift, I’m confident in my ability to pivot thoughtfully, adjust course, and keep momentum moving forward.”
While she was emerging in the insurance industry, Phillips often felt like an outlier as a woman of color. But the mentorship and sponsorship from a number of key figures throughout her career have facilitated her exceptional individual growth.
“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside leaders who recognized potential, not profiles,” she says. “I’ve had mentors and advocates who invested in me, challenged me, and opened doors by trusting me with opportunity. Those relationships didn’t remove the barriers, but they helped me navigate them with confidence and resilience.”
And her experience has pushed her to consistently advocate for increased representation within the industry by guiding future leaders. She says, “I’m very intentional about being that sponsor or advocate for others, especially women, so that the room looks different for the next generation than it did when I entered it.”
Phillips attempts to break down some of the systemic barriers facing women in the industry by encouraging them to express their true selves in their work.
“Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one that inspires the next generation, especially young women, to lead as themselves without apology or limitation,” she explains. “If I can help create an industry where authenticity is valued, inclusion is expected, and women feel confident leading conversations, then I will have done what I set out to do.”
1114 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036
424 506 1984
wphillips@archinsurance.com
linkedin.com/in/wanda-phillips-324952135
insurance.archgroup.com
Wanda Phillips
Executive Vice President and Head of North America Entertainment Arch Insurance
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Bio
Milestones
1994–2000
2000–2016
2016–2019
2019–2024
2024–Present
Vice President of Entertainment, Chubb Group
1994– 2000
Underwriting Manager, OneBeacon Entertainment
2000– 2016
Senior Underwriting Team Lead, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty
2016-2019
Regional Head of Entertainment, North America, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty
2019- 2024
Executive Vice President, Entertainment, Arch Insurance
2024- 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.