Profile
Samantha Cleyn is country head of Canada at Ninety One. She is responsible for driving commercial development within Canada, which involves building relationships and raising assets with public and corporate pension plans, foundations and endowments, insurance and wealth platforms coupled with global and local consultant engagement.
Cleyn joined Ninety One from BMO Global Asset Management where, as managing director, head of institutional sales and service, she was responsible for building and executing the firm’s institutional channel’s growth strategy. Her previous experience also includes leading institutional efforts nationally at T. Rowe Price.
Cleyn holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University. She is a CFA® charter holder and is fluent in French.
22 Adelaide St West, 3400 Toronto, ON M5H 4E3
+1 514 214 2773
samantha.cleyn@ninetyone.com
ca.linkedin.com/in/samantha-cleyn-cfa-mba-59380920
ninetyone.com
Samantha Cleyn
Country Head, Canada Ninety One
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
2016–2019
2020–2022
2023–2025
2024–Present
2025–Present
Senior investment consultant/principal at Mercer Canada
2016–2019
Vice president, head of institutional, Canada at T. Rowe Price Canada
2020–2022
Managing director, head, institutional sales & service at BMO Global Asset Management
2023–2025
Pension investment committee member at The United Church of Canada
2024–Present
Country Head, Canada at Ninety One
2025–Present
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.