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 over 35 years of experience in financial services, Sally Wright is a prominent figure in specialist lending. Over the past decade, she has focused on refining distribution strategies and deepening her expertise in the intermediary market. As head of distribution at Paragon, Wright expertly manages relationships with key network and club partners, promoting Paragon’s buy-to-let products while expanding the brand’s reach. She is also skilled at aligning partner initiatives to capitalise on emerging market opportunities.
Wright is widely regarded as an industry thought leader, often sharing her insights on panel discussions and webinars focused on the buy-to-let sector. Her recent participation in The BTL Virtual Round Table for Mortgage Introducer was met with high praise from her peers, further solidifying her status in the field.
An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Wright actively participates in DIFF events and represents Paragon on the IMLA I&D Working Group. Her commitment to inclusive practices is also reflected in her leadership of a recent educational session on dementia awareness.
Outside of work, Wright is passionate about wildlife conservation. She volunteers with The Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton and Swans and Friends Bird Rescue, where she helps rehabilitate injured waterfowl, giving back to nature in a meaningful way.
51 Homer Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 3QJ
0752 5833 690
Sally.Wright@Paragonbank.co.uk
linkedin.com/in/sally-wright-cemap-36847710
paragonbank.co.uk/intermediary/mortgages
Sally Wright
Head of Distribution
Paragon Bank
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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
2007–2013
2014–2016
2016–2021
2021–2023
Present
2007–2009: National Account Manager at Rooftop Mortgages/Bear Stearns
2008: Gained CeMap qualification
2009–2013: Account Development Manager at Siemens Financial Services/The Carbon Trust
2007–
2013
National Account Manager at One Savings Bank
2014–
2016
Head of Sales at Vida
2016–
2021
Head of Intermediary Distribution at Hampshire Trust Bank
2021–
2023
Head of Distribution at Paragon Bank since 2023
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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