Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
Amanda Bedford is the guiding force of the McCaw Lewis Lawyers asset planning team, specialising in an array of areas including trusts, estates, contracting out agreements, drafting of wills and enduring powers of attorney, among other things.
As the firm continues to expand, McCaw Lewis is grateful for Bedford’s leadership, which exemplifies the firm values of kotahitanga, manaakitanga and whāia te iti kahurangi (passion for excellence).
Bedford has a reassuring calmness that allows clients and their wider whānau to feel understood and creates space for legal solutions in what are often difficult circumstances. Integral to her success in her field is her experience navigating complicated structures and family dynamics. Her international tenure and experience working in banking and finance and assisting commercial and property clients during her years at McCaw Lewis enable her to bring a unique perspective to the family matters she deals with.
Since being appointed as a director, Bedford has truly set the standard for the asset planning team. To complement her work, she is also a mother to two boys, which keeps her home life busy and fun. She also has a keen interest in governance and has a number of roles in local trusts.
6/586 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, 3204
07 838 2079
amanda.hockley@mccawlewis.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/amanda-hockley-87a0ab92
mccawlewis.co.nz
Amanda Bedford
Director
McCaw Lewis Lawyers
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Bio
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Profile
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Special Report
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Bio
Milestones
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Special Report
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Bio
Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
2009
2020
2023
Present
Present
Joined McCaw Lewis
Admitted to the bar
2009
Director at McCaw Lewis Lawyers
2020
Institute of Directors Emerging Director Award winner for Waikato
2023
Trustee of ConneXu, Angel Casts, Age Concern Waikato, member of the Auckland District Law Society trust law committee, and board observer for WEL Networks
Present
Co-Founder and Creator at The Future of Education Summit since 2023
Deputy Principal at Canterbury College since 2023
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
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
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
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying,” adds Phillips Topping.
“Marketing is a very busy space. The challenge is to keep it fresh and keep it new. There’s so much out there. You have to think about how to break through.”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Ryan Specialty has:
• completed 28 acquisitions
• launched 10 companies
“With each acquisition and de novo formation, a large branding component is involved,” says Phillips Topping.
Speaking on the importance of spotlighting marketing professionals, Phillips Topping says, “It’s imperative to shine a light on those who aren’t necessarily brokers or underwriters. There are so many different aspects of the industry. It’s nice to show all the great work that’s being done behind the scenes.”
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