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
Lauren Bloom deeply appreciates the philosophy that an organization succeeds when its clients succeed. That was the belief system of the founder of T. Rowe Price, a global investment management firm where Bloom has flourished since joining the organization in 2018.
As vice president and head of Canada Distribution for the Americas division, she shares the view that a notable legacy is ultimately reflected through your clients’ success.
“The single biggest achievement of my career was taking on the role of head of Canada for T. Rowe Price,” she states. “Being asked to lead our Canadian business validated the years of hard work that I had put in, and I am proud to represent this collaborative, purposeful culture.”
Bloom was drawn to the investment industry at a young age and established a strong foundation by completing her Chartered Financial Analyst certification. She held various roles over the first decade of her career with a large Canadian asset manager, where she ultimately gravitated toward client-focused engagements.
The past five years have proved rewarding as she has excelled in a culture whose values align with her own, developing and executing T. Rowe Price’s Canadian strategy while expertly leading its high-performing team.
Benefits and Pensions Monitor recognized her extraordinary impact and achievements by naming her to its inaugural list of Elite Women for 2024, a distinction she is honoured to receive alongside other influential female industry leaders.
“A career in asset management is incredibly fulfilling. Not only are the challenges complex, but the market itself is dynamic,” she remarks. “You are surrounded by intelligent individuals who can share and debate perspectives and views – you’re constantly learning. Through mentorship, I hope to encourage more women to join this incredible industry.”
As the leader of the firm’s Canadian business, Bloom champions a culture of high integrity, trust, honesty, gratitude, and recognition. Her unwavering commitment to inspiring her team and fostering collaboration and connectedness has resulted in success not only for her team but for their clients.
“I look to cultivate an environment that enables our team to excel, continuously stay abreast of industry trends, and exchange best practices. We prioritize actively listening to our clients and prospects, with the ultimate objective of comprehending their challenges and requirements. Utilizing this knowledge, we collaborate with our investment teams to develop solutions that meet those needs,” she adds. “From that, our clients can succeed.”
With a passion for building connections and long-lasting relationships, Bloom has nurtured a robust network of trusted advisors and potential collaborators. She surrounds herself with people who push her to find ways to add value and be results-oriented proactively.
“I think some of the strongest female leaders in this space leverage emotional intelligence, which helps them earn trust quickly with their peers, leaders, and clients,” she notes. “They can deliver impact by creating safe spaces for candid conversations, encouraging inclusion in group discussions, and adding a human-centric focus that often enhances decision-making.”
Above all, Bloom emphasizes an approach grounded in integrity and highly values relationships, transparency, and open communication with colleagues and superiors.
“Our job is ultimately about people and trust,” she says. “Given the choices clients have, I have found that listening and having the ability to connect enables us to meet client needs and deliver the best results.”
Suite 4240, 77 King Street West, TD North Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5K 2A1
(416) 360 7214
Lauren.Bloom@troweprice.com
ca.linkedin.com/in/lauren-e-bloom
troweprice.com/en
Lauren Bloom
Head of Canada
T. Rowe Price
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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
Year
Year
Year
2018
2022
Joined the asset management industry as an associate in the retail client service division
Year
Advanced to becoming an Account Manager within the institutional division within one year
Year
Advanced to Vice President within the institutional division, responsible for overseeing relationships with over $13 billion in AUM and leading both the strategic alliance and DC teams
Year
Joined T. Rowe Price as Head of Defined Contribution and Intermediaries, Canada
2018
Was asked to take on Leadership of T. Rowe Price’s Canadian Business
Obtained her CFA designation
Selected as one of 12 mentees for CI’s Women in Financial Services
Selected as one of 1 of 5 associates to participate in T. Rowe Price’s Executive Coaching Circles, a comprehensive 12-month program facilitated by a professional executive coach
Selected as one of 20 associates from across NA at the firm to participate in an eight-month leadership program to support associates’ leadership journey
2022
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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