Director talk: Alan Giles
Alan is a non-executive director of Murray Income Trust.
In the boardroom
How would you explain your role to somebody who was new to investment trusts?
To contribute to a team that is committed to helping our shareholders meet their investment goals.
What’s the number one skill you bring to the board?
Unlike most board colleagues I’m a generalist, not a specialist – I think I am pretty good at seeing the big picture.
"Don’t over-contribute, don’t under-contribute. Remember a naïve question often proves to be not so naïve…"
Alan Giles, non-executive director of Murray Income Trust
What is the proudest moment of your career?
Getting the IPO done when I was CEO of HMV Group – although when interviewed live on Bloomberg that morning I was shown a live feed of a plummeting share price!
What’s the most challenging part of your job as a trust director?
Managing the discount.
What advice would you offer to new directors?
Don’t over-contribute, don’t under-contribute. Remember a naïve question often proves to be not so naïve…
At home
What’s your number one desert island disc?
Steady As She Goes by The Raconteurs – Jack White crafts the perfect three and a half minute rock single.
Of all the places you have visited on your travels, which comes top of the list and why?
Arizona – similar climate to California, but less frenetic and with marvellous desert scenery.
What food couldn’t you live without?
A high cholesterol reading forced me to make the chocolate or cheese choice – I went for the latter.
What are you terrible at?
Being on time – I arrive at every meeting at least an hour early, which is highly inefficient.
What do you do for fun?
I’m a passionate follower of Reading FC, home and away. But it’s rarely fun…
Alan has an enviable CV, holding senior positions in the private and public sectors. He was CEO of HMV and managing director of Waterstones. He has also held non-executive director roles at organisations from Rentokil to the Office of Fair Trading and Competition and Markets Authority.
