Justin is the Chief Investment Officer at St. James’s Place (SJP). His role sees him lead the development of SJP’s investment proposition, asset allocation approach and selection of external fund managers. A CFA charterholder, he holds more than two decades' experience across investment management, most recently as Head of Retail Investments, EMEA and head of Retail Multi-Asset Funds at LGIM. In this role, he developed and led LGIM’s retail investments business working with fund managers and Distribution to support improved performance, stronger investment capabilities, external credibility and asset growth. He was also a senior fund manager and part of a team managing over £70 billion for pension schemes and savers globally, leading on the management of the award-winning Multi-Index Funds, which was In addition, he managed the L&G Multi-Manager Funds, oversaw the manager research team and helped to launch the LGIM Model Portfolio Services. He has also held previous roles with Aviva investors, Merrill Lynch and Aon Consulting.

Why is corporate culture becoming more important to you when deciding who you allocate assets to?

When making asset allocation decisions you want to work with firms that will be generating the best returns over 10, 15, 20 years and so on.

For me, a strong corporate culture is a strong indication of a firm’s commitment to their survival. It means that leadership is focused on its people and purpose which shows that they are thinking beyond the immediate short term returns and are thinking of their long-term future.

In your view, why is it important to set a higher standard of stewardship and behaviour within the investment industry?

Because our customers deserve it. Regardless of our sectors and job functions, our overall goal as an industry should be to create the best long term outcomes for our clients. Setting higher standards for stewardship and behaviour sets us up to do exactly this.

Why did you decide to sit on the ACT Stewardship Council and what does it mean to you personally?

I wanted to sit in the Stewardship Council simply because I share the same values that ACT is putting forward.

It can sometimes feel as if topics like stewardship and culture are placed in the ethical/nice to have category. However creating a more inclusive, more transparent investment management industry isn’t just the right thing to do, it will bring massive rewards, investment and so much more to our industry.