Columbia Threadneedle: Mark Burgess, EMEA Chief Investment Officer, steps down after nine years in the role

3 sep 2019

Mark joined Threadneedle Investments as CIO in November 2010. During his tenure he has led the EMEA Investment department of more than 160, with overall responsibility for the performance of all EMEA investment strategies. He has been a strong advocate of Columbia Threadneedle’s investment philosophy based on sharing of insights and debate across asset classes. Mark became Deputy Global CIO in 2017, partnering with Colin Moore to bring together Columbia Threadneedle’s EMEA, US and Asian-based investors and create a global investment capability that encompasses equities, fixed income, commodities, multi-asset and infrastructure. Mark was awarded Investment Leader of the Year in 2018 by Financial News.

Colin Moore, Global Chief Investment Officer, commented: 'On behalf of the leadership team and everyone at Columbia Threadneedle I’d like to thank Mark for his substantial contribution to our global investment teams, to the broader organisation and to our clients. Mark has been a passionate advocate of our investment process and has led and nurtured a culture of collaboration that is core to our enviable long-term performance record. He has maintained a steadfast focus on our responsibility and duty of care to our clients. As Deputy Global CIO he has helped shape our global investment organisation and capability to respond to the differing needs of our clients around the world.'

Mark Burgess commented: “It has been a privilege to lead our EMEA Investment team for close to 10 years. It’s been a fantastic role and a tremendous journey, both as an investor and as a leader of an asset management business in a time of challenge and change for our industry. As asset managers, what we do and how we do it is important – for clients, employees and partners and for the economic health and prosperity of our society. I have had the pleasure of working with an outstanding team both in EMEA and globally and am proud of what we have achieved and our record of delivering for our clients. 

'In this 'age of longevity', I am looking forward to taking a break to spend time with my family, pursue some of my other interests and consider the next phase. The ability to hand over the mantle to William Davies, an exceptional investor and people leader, has made the decision easier and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of the EMEA investment team under William’s leadership.'

 William Davies joined Threadneedle Investments as a European Equities Portfolio Manager at the company’s inception in 1994. He became Head of European Equities in 1999 and Head of Global Equities in 2011. In June 2016 William became Head of Equities, EMEA and in 2017 he became Global Head of Equities, assuming responsibility for the company’s equity teams across all regions. William will retain this role in addition to becoming EMEA CIO.

 Colin Moore commented: “I would like to congratulate William on his promotion to Chief Investment Officer, EMEA. William has tremendous experience and has enjoyed significant success as an investor and leader and will provide continuity to our investment process. William’s 25-year tenure at Columbia Threadneedle leaves him ideally placed to become the next EMEA CIO. I am excited to work with him in this expanded role.'

 Mark’s last day at Columbia Threadneedle will be 27 September. With William’s promotion, Neil Robson becomes lead manager of the Threadneedle Global Select Fund and the Threadneedle (Lux) Global Select Fund, with William moving to deputy. Neil has been deputy manager of the funds since 2011.