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
Bryan Drazner, senior vice president at RT Specialty, co-leads a team of 21 members in what is one of the largest wholesale property teams across the US.
It’s a role that brings its own challenges – most notably, sustaining growth in a large, well-established portfolio. But Drazner thrives on that, pointing to collaboration and competition as key tools.
“Luckily, we have a great team,” he says. “I know we can overcome challenges by working as a group and outworking our competition.”
He attributes his success to several key characteristics:
work ethic
hustle
quick response
clear communication to clients and trading partners when things are good and bad
“I would describe my approach and attitude toward my role and career as having a ‘no excuses’ mentality,” Drazner says. “I don’t believe in being too busy, or not having time for a call; I can make time if I can help, and if for whatever reason I cannot help, I will communicate that quickly.”
Drazner’s path into the industry wasn’t planned – it was seized. After graduating college with eyes on Boston’s financial sector, he encountered a hiring freeze that left promising interviews without job offers. That twist of fate led him to reconnect with an old hockey coach who offered him a customer service position.
From that entry point, Drazner has never looked back. “I outworked my competition, strived to be a good teammate, and prepared for every opportunity that came my way.”
He has built his career by taking one day at a time and being fully committed to his craft, as well as cultivating relationships, as he adds, “I am nothing without my trading partners.”
That humility is matched by gratitude for the mentors who helped shape his journey. He says, “I would not be here without any of them. I take a little bit from each of them and do what works for me. Their investment in my growth when they had nothing to gain instilled a sense of confidence in me, that I can do the job.”
While his industry knowledge has deepened over the years, Drazner believes his relative inexperience early on actually became an advantage. He approached every day like a sponge – asking questions, even when they felt naïve, and absorbing everything he could. “That was the most valuable time of my career and helped set a foundation.”
A desire to keep progressing and repaying the trust of his clients is what pushes him on. He explains, “I strive to use my work ethic to grow relationships within the sector and also deliver solutions quickly to my clients.”
And yet, after earning the title of IBA Rising Star 2025, nothing has changed in terms of motivation and focus.
“Not one bit,” Drazner says. “The task remains the same – doing everything in our power to find solutions for hard-to-place risks.”
540 West Madison St, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661
312 651 6000
bryan.drazner@rtspecialty.com
linkedin.com/in/bryan-drazner-96b3b998
rtspecialty.com
Bryan Drazner
Senior Vice President RT Specialty
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Bio
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Bio
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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
2016
2018
2021
2023
2024–Present
Started his career in the insurance industry
2016
Joined RT Specialty’s property team as an associate broker
2018
Transitioned to a production role, focused on emerging markets
2021
Rose to senior vice president
2023
Senior Underwriter, Amwins
Named office leader for Amwins Special Risk Underwriters Charlotte office, responsible for training and development, personnel management, community outreach, marketing with local clients, etc.
Involved in Amwins Special Risk Underwriters’ tech application development, helping to develop the unit’s new rate/quote/bind system.
2024–Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
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.