Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
With demonstrated experience in wealth management, Son Pham has worked as a mortgage broker at Rethink Financing for the past eight years. Prior to this, he gained extensive experience working with renowned institutions such as Commonwealth Bank and AMP while also practicing as a financial planner for 10 years.
During his tenure in financial planning, Pham recognised the significance of incorporating lending services into his repertoire, given its complementary nature. Equipped with a holistic understanding of clients’ financial landscapes, including their liabilities, Pham’s dual role provides him with invaluable insight into effective strategies and structures.
Preferring to reframe discussions around indebtedness, Pham and his team opt for the term “leverage,” which carries a more optimistic connotation. His focus on lending has led him to relinquish his financial planning responsibilities due to the overwhelming demand in this area.
Over the past eight years, Pham and his team have dedicated themselves to educating clients on the potential of positively geared properties within commercial real estate investments. Currently leading a team of brokers and dedicated support staff, the team is poised for expansion. Pham views commercial lending as a distinct and specialised sector, and with his team’s collective expertise, they continue to foster growth and guide clients in leveraging this lucrative market.
Outside of work, Pham cherishes quality time with his family and pursues his interest in gaming and motorsports.
4/403 Hume Highway, Liverpool, NSW 2170
02 9821 3483
enquiries@rethinkfinancing.com.au
linkedin.com/in/son-pham-6b765626
rethinkfinancing.com.au
Son Pham
Managing Director
Rethink Financing
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“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2021
2022
2023
2024
Present
Outsource Financial Elite Broker award
2021
Outsource Financial Elite Broker award
Finalist: Australian Broking Awards (Commercial Broker of the Year)
Winner: Outsource Financial ORB Awards (Commercial Broker)
Finalist for Best Independent Office: 5 Brokers or More
MPA Top Commercial Broker
2022
Outsource Financial Elite Broker award
MPA Top Commercial Broker
Australian Mortgage Awards Excellence Awardee, Broker of the Year Commercial
2023
2024: MPA Top Brokerage
2024: Australian Mortgage Awards Excellence Awardee, Broker of the Year Commercial
2024–2025: MPA Top Commercial Broker
2024-Present
Senior Associate at Cooney Lees Morgan since 2022
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
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
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
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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