Profile
“Every step taken in shaping Equiton has been infused with the experiences and insights gathered throughout my career. Seeing our vision come to life fills me with immense pride”
Helen Hurlbut, Equiton
Helen Hurlbut established a strong foothold in the financial industry early in her career, but the real estate sector ignited her passion and steered her to the leadership position she holds today at Equiton.
In 2015, Helen took a significant entrepreneurial leap when Jason Roque personally selected her as the co-founder of Equiton, where she currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer. They aimed to ensure private equity investments were made available to all Canadians.
She considers this venture her most significant achievement and has worked diligently toward building the company into the emerging leader in Canada’s private equity real estate investment space that it is today.
Helen’s expertise and leadership guided Equiton to its most recent milestone: achieving an impressive $1 billion in assets under management. This exceptional feat was attained in just eight years, well ahead of initial projections, and through volatile market conditions.
“Every step taken in shaping Equiton has been infused with the experiences and insights gathered throughout my career,” explains Helen, who is a CPA. “Seeing our vision come to life fills me with immense pride.”
BPM has recognized her extraordinary achievements as one of its inaugural Elite Women of 2024. It is an honour that fills Helen with a profound sense of responsibility to serve as an example and inspire other women to pursue similar paths.
“I firmly believe in giving back and contributing to a future industry that is more inclusive and diverse,” she notes. “Mentorship holds a special place in my journey, and I am humbled by the opportunity to pay it forward.”
An accomplished senior executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial, industrial, and residential real estate industries, Helen’s greatest strength lies in leveraging her strategic skills to guide and empower others to realize their potential and achieve results.
She has mentored numerous women on their career paths, demonstrating that anything is possible with passion, dedication, and a driven work ethic.
1111 International Blvd. Suite 500, Burlington, ON L7L 6W1
1 905 635 1381
inquiries@equiton.com
linkedin.com/in/helenhurlbut
equiton.com/institutional-investors
Helen Hurlbut
Co-Founder and CFO
Equiton
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“We continually invest efforts in fostering and nurturing a culture that promotes collaboration and teamwork as we continue to evolve and expand”
Helen Hurlbut, Equiton
1985–1998
1998–2007
2007–2010
2011–2014
2015–present
Treasurer and Controller at Citicom
1985–
1998
Vice President and Treasurer at Mattamy Homes
1998–
2007
Chief Financial Officer at Empire Communities
2007–
2010
Chief Financial Officer at McArthur Properties/Cherishome Living
2011–
2014
Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer at Equiton
2015–
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.”
“In terms of leadership, I like to think I’m recognized for being assertive yet supportive – a blend of high expectations and drive while understanding the crucial elements that contribute to people’s success,” she reflects.
Scaling Equiton up to a team of over 190 employees and counting has presented some of her most significant challenges. Recognizing the need for robust teams to support and sustain this expansion, she and CEO Jason Roque have prioritized the creation of strong leadership structures.
“Maintaining this growth while preserving a cohesive and collaborative company culture remains paramount,” adds Helen. “We continually invest efforts in fostering and nurturing a culture that promotes collaboration and teamwork as we continue to evolve and expand.”
Reflecting on the legacy she’d like to leave, Helen notes that she aspires to establish a thriving company that allows all individuals to build successful careers.
“I aim to provide opportunities to excel, enabling team members to carve their mark on the industry as they advance and grow professionally,” she says. “I hope to also leave behind a legacy of empowerment and progression for women in our industry.”
That dedication to mentorship, particularly for women, is evident through her roles at the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and within Equiton, where she champions diverse talent and fosters an inclusive environment.
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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