Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
With 40 years of rich experience in the finance industry, Marcus O'Brien has worked in various lending and mortgage finance positions. He has gained wide exposure across many segments, including lending, property, valuations, database marketing, coaching staff and mortgage brokers. His involvement with the third-party channel commenced in 2005 and continues to his present position today, assisting brokers in his aggregator role as state manager/BDM.
Known for his responsiveness and genuine enthusiasm, O'Brien finds joy in sharing his expertise to empower brokers in growing their businesses. He believes in the power of resilience and adaptability, essential qualities in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of our industry.
O'Brien is well known within the industry for his unwavering dedication to his brokers, constantly seeking avenues for professional growth and finding innovative ways to support them in achieving their goals.
104 Merchant Street, Docklands, Vic 3008
0466 778 369
marcuso@spfgroup.com.au
linkedin.com/in/marcusobrien
specialistfinancegroup.com.au
Marcus O'Brien
State Manager – Vic, SA and Tas
Specialist Finance Group
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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
1984–1999
2000–2005
2006–2010
2010–2018
2018–present
Personal Lending Manager/Customer Service at Westpac
1984–
1999
2000–2002: Property, Customer and Valuations Data Manager at City of Greater Geelong
2003–2005: Regional Branch Manager at Savings & Loans Credit Union
2000–
2005
2006–2010: State Manager/BDM at The Mortgage Professionals/VOW
2009: AMA Finalist Best Aggregator BDM of the Year
2006–
2010
2010–2018: Broker Partnership Manager at FAST Group/NAB
2011–2012: Winner of the National Partnership Manager of the Year Award
2014–2015: AMA Finalist Best Aggregator BDM of the Year
2015: Winner of the NAB Excellence State Leadership Award
2016–2018: Better Business Aggregator BDM Finalist
2010–
2018
State Manager/BDM at Specialist Finance Group
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
• 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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