Dame Anne Richards, one of the most senior women in European fund management, is stepping down as chief executive of Fidelity International.
She will remain with the company as vice-chair and will focus on “key external relationships and strategic partnerships”, according to a statement from the asset manager.
Richards, who was named one of Financial News’s100 most influential women in finance this year, took on the top job at Fidelity in December 2018. She will remain as CEO until the board of the $714bn asset manager finds a replacement.
READ Fidelity’s Anne Richards, the engineer turned ‘inspirational leader’
Richards joined Fidelity from M&G Investments, where she was CEO. Prior to that she worked for more than a decade at Aberdeen Asset Management, where she ended her stint at chief investment officer.
A chartered engineer, Richards began her career as a research fellow at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research.
She is also chair of the board of TheCityUK, a member of the board at the Institute of International Finance, and an ambassador of Women on Boards UK.
Abby Johnson, chair of Fidelity International said: “Over the last five years Anne has accomplished a tremendous amount for our organisation in service of our clients.”
“She has spearheaded the build out of a wide range of new capabilities and services across multiple markets, as well as our firmwide approach to sustainability, setting us firmly on the path for the future,” Johnson added. “She made significant progress in building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, leading initiatives such as enhanced parental leave, carers leave and dynamic working, ensuring we are well placed to attract and retain the best talent in a post pandemic world.”
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Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
