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
Anna Coppage never believed that a successful legal career had to follow a straight line. As an accomplished in-house lawyer at Genesis Energy with around a decade of post-qualification experience, she exemplifies what it means to be a Future Legal Leader in 2026 due to a combination of:
commercial pragmatism
emotional intelligence
deep commitment to continuous learning
Coppage has consciously embraced a mindset of being “prepared to be lucky” – ready to recognise and act on opportunities when they arise, even if some prove, in hindsight, not to be the perfect fit.
“I acknowledge every room I walk into is an opportunity to learn something from another person there at the same time. And I am comfortable with the fact I do not hold all the answers; however, I am willing to work to find out a solution and leave knowing a little more,” she says.
From the outset, she chose an unconventional route, moving straight in-house rather than beginning in private practice. While this meant missing some of the traditional early-years training, it forced her to rapidly develop both commercial acumen and her legal risk muscle. Over time, she has turned that non-standard path into a strength. Today, it helps her break down barriers and challenge outdated perceptions within the business about what a lawyer does and how they engage.
Contrary to the old stereotype of in-house life as relaxed, Coppage operates in an environment where strategic priorities can shift overnight and the pace of work ebbs and flows with the demands of the business. Her ability to pivot quickly, manage competing stakeholders and still deliver balanced, strategic advice has been central to her standing out.
“I am hyper observant of people around me and my impact on others,” she says. “As lawyers, our role is sometimes to deliver news that our client may not want to hear, but if done in a tactical way that is appropriate for their interaction style, the messaging will not fall flat.”
This does not mean simply pleasing people; rather, it is about tailoring tone and delivery so that even difficult messages land effectively. Her ability to combine candour with tact is a core differentiator.
Equally important are the relationships she has built. Coppage is deliberate about “collecting good connections” and recognises that impressions follow you from role to role in a small industry. Instead of relying on a single formal mentor, she has surrounded herself with individuals who display strong mentor-like qualities: people who will take a call, listen and offer grounded, peer-level advice. Curiosity, emotional intelligence and hard work underpin it all.
Coming from a non-legal family, she is acutely aware of the importance of visibility and access. Early in her career, Coppage created and circulated a legal questionnaire to practitioners; years later, she has found herself negotiating across the table from some of those same people, closing a satisfying full-circle loop.
155 Fanshawe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
+64 21 347 388
anna.coppage@genesisenergy.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/anna-coppage-ab6063100
genesisenergy.co.nz
Anna Coppage
Senior Legal Counsel
Genesis Energy
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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
2014–2015
2015–2018
2018–2021
2021
2024–Present
Analyst at Accenture
2014–2015
Legal Attachment at SAP
2015–2018
Legal Counsel at Deloitte New Zealand
2018–2021
Legal Counsel and Senior Legal Counsel at Genesis Energy
2021
Special Counsel at Lane Neave Lawyers
2024–Present
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.