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
Sandra Lee is the dynamic CEO of BMS in Asia, boasting over 20 years of legal and insurance expertise. Specialising in M&A transactions, she has earned a reputation as a trusted adviser to international private equity and corporate investors. Her illustrious career highlights her leadership in spearheading the Asian M&A insurance practice for a major global insurance broking firm, showcasing exceptional skills in building and scaling the business.
With a substantial background in top-tier law firms, Lee has been a pivotal force in facilitating cross-border buyout transactions for private equity clients. Renowned for her influential role in shaping and expanding the M&A insurance landscape in Asia, she stands out as a leader in the industry. Her strategic insights and in-depth knowledge position her as a sought-after authority, particularly in navigating the legal intricacies of M&A transactions.
“I feel fortunate to be in this position, and it’s a challenging role, irrespective of gender,” Lee says. “Always stay focused on your goals and what you aspire to achieve.”
4/F, Lee Garden Three, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
+852 9255 7088
sandra.lee@bmsgroup.com
linkedin.com/in/sandra-ss-lee
bmsgroup.com
Sandra Lee
Asia Chief Executive Officer
BMS Asia (Hong Kong)
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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
2003–2005
2005–2007
2007–2010
2011–2012
2012–2020
Associate at Wong Partnership Singapore
2003–
2005
Associate at Clifford Chance HK
2005–
2007
Senior Associate at Gide Loyrette Nouel Paris
2007–
2010
Managing Associate at Linklaters HK
2011–
2012
Head of Transaction Liability Insurance – Asia at Aon
2012–
2020
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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