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
Paula Mercer is an accomplished finance professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Currently serving as the head of sales at LendInvest, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and operations of the organisation. Since joining LendInvest, she has been instrumental in streamlining financial processes and implementing robust financial controls, ensuring the company continues to thrive in a competitive market.
Prior to her role at LendInvest, Mercer held various finance positions in leading organisations where she developed a strong reputation for her analytical skills and ability to drive financial performance. Her expertise spans financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting and risk management.
Mercer is not only passionate about finance but also dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture. She actively mentors aspiring finance professionals, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and development. With a degree in finance and certifications in accounting, she remains committed to professional growth and contributing to the success of her team and organisation. Her strategic insights and dedication make her a valued leader in the financial services sector.
4-8 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HD
07970 250 386
Holly.Morrison@Paragonbank.co.uk
linkedin.com/in/paula-mercer-7a584719b
lendinvest.com
Paula Mercer
Director of Sales
LendInvest
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Milestones
“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
2008–2014
2015–2023
2023–2024
Present
Present
Business Development Manager at Lloyd's Banking Group
2008–
2014
2015–2019: Regional Business Development Manager at Atom Bank
2019–2023: Head of Intermediary Lending Residential and Commercial Lending at Atom Bank
2015–
2023
Head of Sales at LendInvest
2023–
2024
Director of Sales at LendInvest since 2024
Present
Commercial Director at LendInvest since 2022
Present
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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