Investment Association appoints Patrick Thomson as new board chair

Patrick Thomson, CEO, EMEA, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, has been appointed Chair of the Investment Association’s (IA) Board.

As part of the eighteen-strong Board, Patrick will be responsible for championing the investment management industry and ensuring the priorities of its firms and their customers are heard by policymakers and regulators. The IA’s Board plays a vital role in guiding the industry through ever-changing market conditions, ensuring it remains focused on savers and investors and modernising industry practices to meet their needs.  This also includes championing greater industry diversity and embracing new technology to improve customer outcomes and reduce costs.

Patrick, who is currently a Deputy Chair of the IA Board, will replace Keith Skeoch and assume his role as Chair at the AGM on 27 September 2022.

Keith Skeoch, Outgoing chair of the Investment Association, said:

“It has been a great privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board of the IA. Our industry’s pivotal role in the UK economy assisting business growth and helping UK savers meet their goals has never been more needed. I have been proud to play my part by helping the industry through the coronavirus pandemic, as well as championing the role of modernising stewardship, so that we can create long-term sustainable value that benefits businesses, communities, and the environment.” 

Patrick Thomson, CEO, EMEA, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said:

“It is an honour to have been selected as Chair of the IA’s Board during this important period of change for the industry, as we seek to help savers and investors navigate inflationary headwinds, a cost-of-living crisis, a challenging geopolitical backdrop as well as fully understand the long term implications of climate change.

“Ensuring we continue to have a strong and effective industry association has never been more important if we are to collectively address these pressing matters and emerge with a more competitive industry for our customers. This will also require a fresh partnership with the government and regulator, where we work to promote the UK as a preeminent global centre of investment management. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and Chris Cummings’ executive team towards these goals.”

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the IA, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Patrick Thomson as Chair of the IA’s Board.  Patrick is a well-respected business leader and held in high esteem by his peers, making him well-placed to champion our industry.  As Deputy Chair, he has frequently represented the IA and spoken on behalf of the industry at meetings with policymakers and regulators in the UK and internationally, and he will bring this experience and global connections to the role.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Keith Skeoch, who has successfully guided the IA through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, invasion of Ukraine, and rapidly rising inflationary environment.  He has been a strong and thoughtful voice speaking up for the investment management industry, and one that has been heeded by authorities.”

ENDS