AJ Bell has named Rob Burdett as the new independent chair of its investment committee, as current chair Jim Sutcliffe announces his retirement.
In this role, Burdett will provide oversight to the AJ Bell fund range and MPS service, including investment strategy, asset allocation and risk management. He will also work closely with the AJ Bell Investments team.
Michael Summersgill, AJ Bell CEO, says: “Rob’s depth of experience, knowledge and independent perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow our highly successful investments business, which now oversees over £11bn of customer investments.”
Burdett added he was “delighted” to be appointed to the role. “Jim leaves some big shoes to fill, so I will need to bring to bear as much of my experience in the multi-asset world as possible to this governance role to provide counsel, challenge and perspective to the quarterly meetings.
“I have long admired AJ Bell from afar and look forward to working more closely with them via the committee.”
Burdett brings over 30 years of multi-manager and fund selection experience to the team. He currently serves as head of multi-manager at Nedgroup Investments but has previously served in roles at Columbia Threadneedle, Thames River and Rothschild Asset Management, among others.
Meanwhile, Sutcliffe retires following more than 40 years working within asset management and insurance. Prior to his 10 years as chair of AJ Bell’s investment committee, which he ran since its inception in 2016, Sutcliffe served as deputy chair of a major real estate investment trust, and has held various senior roles within a multinational insurance and asset management company.
Commenting on his retirement, CEO Summersgill said: “On behalf of everyone at AJ Bell, I would like to thank Jim for his huge contribution to the success of the business.”
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