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
Vanessa Simons is the general counsel and company secretary at Fisher Funds, where she partners closely with the CEO and leadership team as a trusted adviser and enterprise problem solver. Known for her values-driven leadership, she is deeply passionate about fostering inclusion and building supportive, high-performing teams.
Her career spans leadership roles at some of New Zealand’s most iconic organisations, including Kiwi Wealth, Kiwibank and Meridian Energy. She also served at the Financial Markets Authority, contributing to the integrity and resilience of New Zealand’s financial system. Simons’ commitment to supporting local enterprise is reflected in her current role as a director of Catalist, New Zealand’s licensed stock exchange for small and medium-sized businesses, where she champions improved access to capital and growth opportunities for SMEs.
Beyond her professional achievements, Simons has balanced her career with raising two boys, often working part-time when they were young. After the loss of her husband in 2021, she navigated profound personal and professional change, including the sale of Kiwi Wealth and its successful merger with Fisher Funds. Through these experiences, she has become a visible advocate for flexibility, compassion and more generous leadership in the workplace.
Simons is dedicated to shaping a legal profession that is not only technically excellent but also humane, supportive and future-focused.
67-73 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
021 221 4449
Vanessa.Simons@fisherfunds.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/vanessa-simons-8b781343
fisherfunds.co.nz
Vanessa Simons
General Counsel and Company Secretary Fisher Funds
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Bio
Milestones
Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Special Report
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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
1995–1998
2000–2008
2008–2014
2014–2018
Present
1995: Graduated from the University of Otago with a BA/LLB (First Class Honours); began her legal career at Kensington Swan, having earned a scholarship from the firm
1998: Joined IBM following a secondment
1995–1998
Held senior roles in the corporate commercial team at Russell McVeagh
2000–2008
Served in senior in-house legal roles at Meridian Energy and its subsidiaries
2008–2014
2014–2018: Held leadership positions within the compliance and legal team at the Financial Markets Authority
2017: Received the FMA Chairperson’s Award
2018: Joined Kiwibank as Head of Legal (Wealth and Insurance); joined sister company Kiwi Wealth as General Counsel following a secondment
2014–2018
General Counsel at Fisher Funds (following its acquisition of Kiwi Wealth) since 2018
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.