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
Maria Clarke is a trailblazer in sports law, having founded New Zealand’s first dedicated sports law practice 25 years ago. Over three decades, she has advised athletes and organisations across over 50 sporting codes – from grassroots clubs to international federations in New Zealand, Australia and beyond.
Her expertise spans sports governance, structural reform, dispute resolution and integrity protection. In New Zealand, Clarke has advised on transformative projects, including the establishment of High Performance Sport NZ, the NZ Sports Tribunal and the Sport Integrity Commission. She has also guided clients through some of the most high-profile and complex challenges in sport – crises involving corruption, doping and athlete wellbeing – most notably advising on the transformation of World Athletics following its global corruption scandal.
Internationally recognised as a thought leader, Clarke has received multiple awards and is regularly invited to speak at global conferences and contribute to leading publications. Clients describe her as astute, pragmatic and intellectually formidable, with a rare ability to think outside the box while remaining deeply grounded in sector realities.
Clarke serves on boards and committees across NZ and globally, including World Athletics, UCI (International Cycling), UK Sport, Paralympics NZ and the NZ Olympic Committee. Her influence continues to shape sport’s legal and governance landscape – driven by a commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport that is enjoyable and safe, which is led by ethical, inclusive, collaborative and progressive leaders.
31 Bartley Terrace, Devonport (Unit F, Level 2), Auckland
0275 490 043
maria@mariaclarke.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/maria-clarke-80a83717
mariaclarke.co.nz
Maria Clarke
Founder/Owner Maria Clarke Lawyers
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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
1991–2000
2015
2019
2025
2023
1991: Graduated from the University of Otago with law (honours) and politics degrees; admitted as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand
1991–2000: Senior associate specialising in family, employment and sports law at Simpson Grierson, Martelli McKegg Wells & Cormack and Rigby Cooke (Australia)
2000: Established Maria Clarke Lawyers
1991–2000
Received the Australia and New Zealand Sports Law Association Denis Callinan Award
2015
Honoured with the Oceania Athletics Women’s Award
2019
Appointed to additional roles as director and expert adviser
2025
Group General Counsel and Head of ESG at Probe Group
2023
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.