Authors

Ian Kennedy is Chief Operating Officer for Hermes, a member of the Executive Committee (ExCo), and an Executive Board Director. Ian joined Hermes in 2015, taking responsibility for finance, IT, legal, HR, operations and facilities. As COO, Ian’s role is to ensure that Hermes operates a best-in-class organisational infrastructure to support its clients, investment teams and business development activities. As a member of ExCo, his responsibilities include development of corporate strategy and delivery of profitability.

Ian entered the City in 1992, joining Prudential Bache Ltd, initially as European accountant and subsequently as regional risk and control manager. In 2002, Ian joined Dryden Wealth Management as Finance Director, joining Fortis in 2005 when they acquired the firm. Ian became COO for the UK wealth management and private banking division, ultimately acting as interim CEO and leading its sale to BNP Paribas in 2009-10, where he then became Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of BNP Paribas Wealth Management UK.

In 2012, Ian established InvestMe Financial Services LLC, one of the earliest firms in the UAE to be approved for investment advisory business activities by the Securities and Commodities Authority in Abu Dhabi. The firm was an active supporter of disadvantaged children in India, funding the creation of 11 schools in some of the poorest areas of the country.

Ian qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co and holds a BSc in Biochemistry from King's College London.