Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
Tonia Brugh is a dual-qualified trademark and intellectual property specialist with over 20 years of domestic and international experience advising clients in this area. She also has experience in entertainment and IT practice, including drafting, reviewing and advising on a wide range of agreements for publishing companies, recording artists, songwriters, authors and film production companies.
Brugh also offers specialist IP expertise in indigenous rights, privacy, data protection and sovereignty, as well as commercial contracts. She rejoined James & Wells in October 2022 and has gained significant experience working in a number of sectors. She offers a unique perspective, given her experience working in London (UK) with one of Europe’s leading law firms and with some of the largest US media technology companies such as Apple Corp, Warner Bros. and Google across their UK and European matters.
Brugh weaves her Pacifika background into her unique way of working with her clients. She focuses on long-term connection and relationship building, placing people and connections at the forefront of everything she does. She walks with her clients for their whole journey; she works to empower her clients to succeed on their own merit and supports them along the way.
Level 3/35 Grey Street, Tauranga
+64 7 928 4476
tonia.brugh@jamesandwells.com
linkedin.com/in/tonia-brugh-24681156
jamesandwells.com/nz
Tonia Brugh
Partner
James & Wells
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Bio
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Profile
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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
2001
2012
2023
2024
Present
Graduated and worked for large NZ law firms
Moved to Australia and the United Kingdom, where she was fortunate to work with some of the largest technology and IP clients in the world
2001
Relocated back to New Zealand with her family and invested in sharing her expertise to empower businesses in New Zealand and Australia
2012
NZ Lawyer’s Elite Woman
2023
World Trademark Review 1000 Recommended Individual
Women Leading Bay Business – Bay of Plenty Business News
2024
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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