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
Karen Rodrigues assumed the role of Head of National Accounts at Market Financial Solutions (MFS) in July 2023, earning a promotion to Head of Sales in January 2024. With over 20 years of experience in the mortgage intermediary sector, Rodrigues is dedicated to expanding MFS’ array of fast and flexible financial products to prominent clubs, networks and packagers throughout the UK.
Since starting her financial services career with Halifax, Rodrigues has consistently collaborated with mortgage intermediaries, prioritising networking to cultivate enduring relationships. Her professional journey includes roles at One Savings Bank, Aldermore Mortgages, GE Money and Kensington. Notably, she served as the Corporate Sales Manager at Vida Homeloans and, from 2020, as the Director of Sales at ULS Technology, now Smoove, promoting the eConveyancer brand.
Karen is also a firm believer in education and is currently in her 15th year as a primary school governor, where she is also Vice Chair of the board, Chair of Curriculum and Resources too. During the pandemic, she oversaw the launch of a scheme for children who didn’t have access to the internet or smart devices which ensured they could still access the curriculum online.
46 Hertford Street, Mayfair, London W1J 7DP
07377 435 790
karen@mfsuk.com
linkedin.com/in/karen-rodrigues-43234b11
mfsuk.com
Karen Rodrigues
Head of Sales
Market Financial Solutions
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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
1992
2011–2013
2016–2018
2022
2023
Sales Manager at Halifax
1992
2011: Relationship Manager at Aldermore Bank
2013: National Account Manager at One Savings Bank/Prestige Finance
2011–
2013
2016: Corporate Sales Manager at Vida Homeloans
2018: SFI Awards – BDM of the Year
2016–
2018
SFI Awards – Service to the Industry award
WRA Awards – Spokesperson of the Year
BSLA – Business Leader
2022
Head of National Accounts at MFS
2023
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
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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