Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I hold a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Property, which initially sparked my interest in the property finance sector. I began my career at ASB and Westpac in New Zealand, with a four-year stint in London working for Intermediate Capital Group. I returned to Westpac in 2022, where I managed a large and complex portfolio of property investment, development, and value-add clients. I particularly enjoy the challenge of structuring complex transactions that align with the needs of both borrowers and internal stakeholders.
Outside of work, I previously competed internationally in three-day eventing (equestrian) and played polo socially for a number of years. Since returning from London with my wife and two children, my spare time is now mostly spent with family, renovating and landscaping our classic-style home, and keeping active.
What attracted you to Pallas Capital, and how did you come to join the team?
I had started to notice Pallas featuring more prominently in transactions and had long been interested in moving into the non-bank lending space. What drew me to Pallas was the strength of the team—both in New Zealand and Australia—alongside its capital availability and clear growth ambitions. It was important to me to join a business with strong backing from both shareholders and capital partners. I’ve seen smaller players struggle with capital constraints, so Pallas’s strong foundation made joining the team a compelling choice.
As you’re settling in, what are your first impressions of Pallas Capital and your role?
In my short tenure, Pallas has been amazing to work for; the approach to doing business is extremely refreshing and commercial. My role as an originator comes with a huge amount of autonomy, which gives me an amazing opportunity to connect with trusted advisors and clients.
Looking ahead, how do you hope to contribute to the company’s success?
I’m looking forward to expanding Pallas’s presence in the development and construction lending market in New Zealand, particularly in regional centres where we’ve had less exposure to date. With the closing of our new dedicated construction fund on the horizon, we’ll be actively pursuing new development opportunities nationwide and I’m looking forward to being a key part of that growth.
If you would like to speak to Simon, email him at simon.gordon@pallascapital.co.nz