Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I grew up in the Waikato and studied agriculture at Lincoln University in Christchurch before beginning my career in 2014 as a teller at ASB Bank. Over five years, I progressed into the property finance team as an Account Manager, where I developed a passion for commercial real estate lending.
In 2018, I relocated to Auckland and moved into private equity and funds management, focusing on the acquisition of real estate assets for investment funds.
Fast forward to January 2024, I joined Pallas Capital as a Senior Credit Manager. At the time, the New Zealand team consisted of four people. Since then, we’ve grown to 18 team members across Auckland and Christchurch. This year, I transitioned from Senior Credit Manager into the role of Associate Director – Origination. Now having worked across both sides of Pallas Capital, I’ve gained a broad perspective on the business and the opportunities available to support brokers and borrowers across New Zealand.
How did you come to be part of the Pallas Capital team?
I was initially approached about a role in the credit team, and to be honest, my first instinct was to say no — however, after doing some research and meeting with the executive team, it became clear that Pallas Capital was building something exciting in New Zealand. That was a journey I wanted to be part of.
What does a typical workday look like for you at Pallas Capital?
In my credit role at Pallas Capital, most of my time was spent reviewing, structuring and approving transactions. Since moving into the origination team, my role has become much more relationship-focused. A typical day involves meeting with brokers and borrowers, understanding their funding requirements and working with them to identify solutions that align with Pallas Capital’s lending approach.
One of the things I enjoy most, is the variety of work. Every transaction is different, and every day presents an opportunity to meet new people and learn more about their business.
What has been your highlight at Pallas Capital so far?
There have been many highlights over the years — from moving into our Britomart office and expanding the team, to memorable Christmas functions. More recently, a standout has been the support I’ve received, particularly from Alexis Holloway and Jason Arnold after transitioning from credit to origination.
What are some of your proudest achievements or milestones during your time at Pallas Capital?
It might sound a bit cliché, but one of the things I’m most proud of, is the level of trust placed in the team by Dan Gallen, Alexis Holloway and Jason Arnold. Having the autonomy to understand the market and make decisions — whether that’s around deals, hiring, or managing relationships with our institutional lenders — you don’t get that exposure anywhere else.
Looking ahead, what are your professional goals and aspirations within Pallas Capital? How do you see yourself contributing to the company’s future success?
Working in the origination team, I’m focused on continuing to build strong relationships with brokers and borrowers, while identifying opportunities that align with Pallas Capital’s lending strategy. More broadly, I look forward to contributing to the growth of the New Zealand business. We have built a strong platform, and I’m excited to play a part in expanding our presence and supporting clients and partners across the market.
If you would like to speak to Tom, email him at tom.marshall@pallascapital.co.nz