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
Darren Pitt is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in school leadership. He has held senior leadership roles, including principal and deputy principal, at a range of schools. His impact and expertise are in academic program development, wellbeing, staff development and brand management. His leadership has resulted in significant improvements in academic outcomes, enrolment growth and student wellbeing metrics in each of his schools.
Currently the principal of St Columba College in Adelaide, Pitt has prioritised fostering positive school culture and introducing a range of initiatives with a focus on staff wellbeing, engagement and development.
“Our staff are our greatest asset, doing a challenging job,” he says. “We want to provide them with an environment to be their best professional selves so that our students and community can flourish. My philosophy is to appoint the best people, provide them with the things they need to succeed and then get out of the way of the talent.’
With tertiary qualifications in education, leadership and positive psychology, Pitt is committed to lifelong learning and staying abreast of contemporary research. He is actively involved in governance roles, serving as a board director for St Barnabas College and as deputy chairperson of St Mark’s College.
President Avenue, Andrews Farm, Adelaide
08 8254 0600
darren.pitt@stcolumba.sa.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/darren-pitt-84a10080
stcolumba.sa.edu.au
Darren Pitt
Principal
St Columba College
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
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
1989–1999
2011–2019
2021–2023
Present
2024
1989–1992: Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – De Montford University, Bedford, UK
1994: Post-Graduate Certificate in Education – Canterbury Christchurch University, Kent UK
1999: Advanced Certificate in Management Studies – Canterbury Christchurch University, Kent UK
1989–1999
2011: Master of Education (Leadership and Administration) – Deakin University
2012–2014: Director of Teaching and Learning - St Peter's College, Adelaide
2015–2016: Deputy Principal – Seymour College, Adelaide
2017–2019: Principal – The Springfield Anglican College, Brisbane
2011–2019
2021–2023: Deputy Principal - St Columba College, Adelaide
2023: GAICD – Australian Institute of Company Directors
2021–2023
Board Director – St Mark’s College since 2020
Board Director – St Barnabas College, Adelaide since 2023
Principal – St Columba College, Adelaide since 2024
Present
Promoted to vice president at Brown & Riding
2024
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.