Investment Association appoints John Owen as Chief Executive

The Investment Association (IA) today announces that John Owen has been appointed as Chief Executive, succeeding Chris Cummings.

John is an experienced policy leader who has built a distinguished career in the public and private sectors, operating at the highest levels of government and industry. He brings deep expertise in financial services, regulation and public policy, alongside a strong track record of leadership and delivery in complex, high‑profile environments.

John spent twenty years in the UK civil service, holding a series of senior roles across HM Treasury, the Cabinet Office and the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office. From 2022 to 2025, he served as Director for Financial Services at HM Treasury, where he was at the centre of setting the strategic direction for all domestic financial services policy and led the delivery of the UK’s post‑Brexit regulatory regime. Earlier roles included Deputy Director for Financial Services at HM Treasury, Chief of Staff to the Cabinet Secretary, and senior positions spanning housing, strategic policy projects and the centre of government. Throughout this period, John worked closely with ministers and senior officials, providing private counsel to national leaders and representing the UK’s interests at the very highest levels.

More recently, John has been working as a Partner in EY’s Financial Services Risk Consulting practice, advising firms on regulatory strategy and risk.

Chair of the IA Board, and Executive Vice President and Head of EMEA for State Street Investment Management, Ann Prendergast said: “John brings the experience to progress the Investment Association’s strategic priorities, including encouraging more people to invest, driving innovation, and supporting dialogue between policymakers, regulators and industry to ensure the UK remains a competitive, world-leading centre for investment management. The Board was unanimous in its decision to appoint John. We were impressed by his deep understanding of the policy environment in which we operate and ability to navigate complexity to focus on delivery and believe he is well-placed to help the Investment Association continue to develop and serve its members.”

John Owen said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Investment Association. I have seen first-hand the value the IA brings in convening the investment management industry and strengthening our collective voice to deliver positive change in the UK and internationally. Despite an uncertain global backdrop, I believe we have the capability to seize the right opportunities to support our sector and contribute to economic growth and financial resilience of households in the UK and beyond. While taking on this incredible opportunity means I leave EY, I do so grateful for the time I spent with the firm, having enjoyed working with exceptional colleagues and clients.”

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the IA, said: “It has been an honour to lead the Investment Association for the past decade. Thank you to those across the industry, IA Board members, Chairs and my brilliant colleagues, for their dedication and expertise. I now look forward to handing on the baton to John and wish him every success in leading this exceptional organisation.”