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
Janine Guenther brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. With a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designations, she is a member of both the CFA Institute and the CMT Association.
Guenther is a past president of CFA Society Vancouver and past president’s council representative for Canada on the global board of the CFA Institute. She is also a previous member of the CMT Association’s curriculum committee.
1155 Metcalfe St., Montreal, Quebec H3B 2V6
1 (514) 3476137
anne.meloche@sunlife.com
linkedin.com/in/janineguenther
slgiinstitutional.com/en
Janine Guenther
Head of Institutional Busness
Sun Life Global Investments
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Milestones
“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
2009
2019–present
2012–2016
2017–2017
2017–present
25 years of service - Skate Canada
2009
2019: Volunteer of the Year at CFA Vancouver
2019–2024: President of Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel
2023: Mike Ryan Award of Excellence, Women in Capital Markets - Transformational Leadership Award, Wealth Professional - Top 50 Leading Women in Wealth
30+ year career spanning buy-side and firm leadership positions, including roles at banks, insurance companies, and privately held investment management firms
2019–
present
Regional Vice President, Institutional Business for Québec and Eastern Canada
- strategic planning for the Quebec and Eastern Canada regional marketplace to expand the institutional business throughout this region, working closely with Sun Life’s Group Retirement Services team
- promotion of SLGI institutional products and education to investment consultants and plan advisors, and support to current clients
- active member of Sun Life Financial Quebec Leadership Team
2012–
2016
Head of Institutional Sales and Client Relationships
- develops the national business development and client servicing strategy for the institutional business
- leads the national sales team working with plan sponsors, consultants, and plan advisors
- expands the institutional business in the Quebec marketplace and service clients
- remains an active member of the Sun Life Financial Quebec Leadership Team
2017–
2017
Head of Institutional Business at Sun Life Global Investments
- develops the strategy to expand the institutional business in Canada
- leads the national sales team working with plan sponsors, consultants, and plan advisors
- remains an active member of the Sun Life Global Investments Leadership Team and the Sun Life Quebec Leadership Team
Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA)
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (SOA)
2017–
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 185 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 partner Roque have prioritized the creation of strong leadership structures.
“Maintaining this growth while preserving a cohesive and collaborative company culture remains paramount,” adds Hurlbut. “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, Hurlbut notes 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 and marginalized groups, is evident through her roles at the Women Presidents Organization and within Equiton, where she champions diverse talent and fosters an inclusive environment.
Her commitment extends to community support, exemplified by Equion’s charitable endeavours, reflecting her ethos of giving back and making a meaningful impact.
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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