Chris Cummings To Join Investment Association As Chief Executive

The Investment Association (IA) today announces the appointment of Chris Cummings as Chief Executive.

Chris is joining the UK investment industry's trade association, whose members manage a combined £5.5trn in assets, from TheCityUK where he is the founding Chief Executive.

The decision to appoint Chris has been made unanimously by the IA's Board, which includes representatives of 18 British investment managers, and follows the departure of Daniel Godfrey in October 2015.

Chris will succeed Guy Sears, who has served for the past five months as Interim Chief Executive during the search process. Chris is expected to join by the end of the third quarter of 2016.

After spending 7 years as Director General at AIFA, the trade body for financial advisers, Chris launched TheCityUK in June 2010 and the organisation has evolved to being a major champion of the UK's financial and professional services industry and its positive role in the economy.

Helena Morrissey, Chair of the Investment Association, said:

"I am delighted we have secured a Chief Executive of Chris's calibre to take the Investment Association forward. Chris has years of experience helping businesses to deliver the best outcomes for their customers.

"Under Chris's leadership the IA will continue to work with all our stakeholders to serve our members and shape the investment industry to meet the needs of savers.

"The Board would like to thank Guy Sears for his work and achievements as Interim Chief Executive, including the launch of the Productivity Action Plan to boost the British economy and a major pledge to develop a new generation of Disclosure Codes."

Chris Cummings, forthcoming Chief Executive of the Investment Association, said:

"I am very excited to be taking over as Chief Executive of the Investment Association, which plays a crucial part in securing the best outcomes for savers, investment managers and the broader economy.

"I believe the UK's asset management industry has the opportunity to adopt a greater role in society, generating wealth and lifelong financial well-being for millions of people and providing stable long-term financing to help British businesses to grow."