Square Mile investment director Jason Broomer will leave the business next month as he takes a career break.
Broomer (pictured) co-founded the consultancy and research house in 2013 alongside chief executive Richard Romer-Lee and operations director David Pickles. A member of the executive team, he also oversaw the firm’s managed portfolio service and contributed to its research capability.
Romer-Lee said Broomer had been integral to Square Mile’s success over the last seven years, describing him as a “valued and trusted colleague and friend”.
Broomer’s departure was included alongside the news that former Ravenscroft head of investment Mark Harries had joined the firm in the newly created role of chief investment officer.
Harries will be responsible for developing the firm’s investment management services, its principles, process and procedures. He will oversee the portfolio management team, as well as playing a part in Square Mile’s engagement with both existing and potential clients and assisting in new business generation. He will report to Romer-Lee.
Romer-Lee said Square Mile has “seen tremendous growth across our investment management business as advisers seek to outsource this important element of their offering to trusted partners. It is essential that these services continue to develop to ensure they remain best in class whilst adhering to the very highest levels of governance”.
He added: “In appointing Mark to the new role of chief investment officer, we aim to demonstrate that Square Mile takes its responsibility as guardian of client assets extremely seriously and as being of fundamental importance to the business as a whole.”
Harries’ extensive career prior to Ravenscroft spans roles such as investment director and head of manager selection at Aberdeen Asset Management, investment director and head of multi-manager at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership and director and head of multi-manager at Cazenove Capital Management where he launched the first ever multi-asset, multi-manager fund in 2005.
Harries said of his appointment: “I have followed the growth of Square Mile closely over the years and it is apparent that despite its relatively short history, it has become established as one of the leaders in its field, highly-regarded and trusted by asset managers and advisers alike. This is an exciting time to be joining the business and I look forward to adding my experience to an already impressive team of investment professionals.”
Square mile also appointed a chief financial and operating officer in earlier this year, poaching Martyn Cuff from Allianz Group.
