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
Rachel Byrne is a courageous and visionary principal who has reimagined what public education can be. With a background in physical education and sports management, she brings a team-first mindset to school leadership – believing that every student has something valuable to contribute and that collective success is built on inclusion, agency and aspiration.
Since 2013, Byrne has led Hunter Sports High School (HSHS) through bold transformation. Located in a low socioeconomic region, HSHS has become a national leader in future-focused education, recognised as Australian School of the Year (2024) for its innovative academy model that personalises learning and connects students to real-world mentors and career pathways.
Byrne’s leadership has also earned her recognition as an Excellence Awardee for Government Principal of the Year and a member of the Edleaders Impact List. A “First Mover” principal in the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success project, she is helping to redefine how schools measure success, prioritising human capabilities, equity and learner growth. She leads with integrity, inspires with purpose and builds cultures where both staff and students thrive. Her work is not just changing a school – it’s shaping the future of education.
2 Pacific Highway, Gateshead
4943 5755
rachel.byrne@det.nsw.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/rachel-byrne-5903b4192
hunterspt-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
Rachel Byrne
Principal
Hunter Sports High School
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Bio
Milestones
Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Special Report
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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
2012–2016
2023
2024
Present
2024
Deputy Principal at Hunter Sports High School
2014: became relieving Principal
2016: became substantive Principal
2012–2016
Edleaders Impact List
2023
Excellence Awardee, Australian Government Principal of the Year
Principal of the Australian School of the Year
“First Mover” School Principal in the University of Melbourne Metrics Research Project
2024
Principal at Hunter Sports High School since 2013
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.