The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has launched an online portal to increase diversity among boards of listed investment vehicles.
AIC said its new initiative Pathway will provide a range of resources to potential candidates to increase their chances of obtaining roles on investment company boards. Individuals will be able to access presentations, guides and videos explaining how investment companies work, what directors do and how new directors are recruited.
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Rachel Beagles, chair of the AIC, said: “We have launched Pathway to help the investment company industry attract a diverse range of talented new directors.
“Investment companies are not just interested in the more obvious competences like asset management or accountancy. They’re also looking for marketing skills, distribution experience and high-level business expertise, as well as more specialist knowledge of particular industries or sectors.
“I’ve found being an investment company director a hugely rewarding experience and I would encourage more candidates to consider it by visiting our new website, Pathway.”
The portal will also publish stories from current directors and advice from Beagles, as well as tips from headhunters on how to find roles, hone a CV and prepare for interviews.
It will also house a directory of board recruitiers, a directory of board development programmes and information on forthcoming events for prospective investment company directors.
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Ian Sayers, chief executive of the AIC, said: “We wanted Pathway to provide a one-stop shop for prospective board candidates to find out more about being a director of an investment company. There is a wealth of information on investment companies and some really useful advice on how to go about getting a directorship, as well as personal stories that bring to life what it’s like being a director.
“Independent boards who look after shareholders’ interests are a key benefit of the investment company structure, so attracting the right people is vital. We hope Pathway will help people who may not have considered being an investment company director to become part of the industry.”
Registration to the AIC’s Pathway is free and can be accessed here.
