Director talk: Glen Suarez

What’s the number one skill you bring to the board?

One of the key responsibilities of the chairman of an investment trust board is to create an environment where the non-executive directors can freely express their dissent, doubts and concerns about the direction the company is heading. This ensures that these perspectives are properly considered. This is something I have learned as chairman of Knight Vinke Asset Management over the past ten years, and I have been able to bring that into my work as chairman, first of Edinburgh Investment Trust, and now Impax Environmental Markets.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career?

Probably Sir Simon Robertson: I met him when I worked at Kleinwort Benson, the British merchant bank, in the late 1980s. Although I left the firm in 1994, I have kept in touch with him, seeking his views and guidance throughout my career. I have greatly valued his judgment and insight.

What’s the most challenging part of your job as a trust director?

The last few years have been tough for investment trusts.  Performance has fallen short of investors’ expectations, discounts have widened, and shareholders have rightly become more demanding and assertive. The most challenging aspect of the job is leading the board to find the right way forward and build consensus among the shareholders.

What advice would you offer to new directors?

Directors play a crucial role in the financial market, and the system functions best when you bring your experience, knowledge and judgment to the table. So I’d say do not be afraid to disagree or propose alternatives if you believe the board should take a different approach. However, do so in a collegiate manner that encourages your colleagues to reflect. You don’t have to prevail, but you should aim to contribute meaningfully to the debates.

Away from work

What’s your number one desert island disc?

I love music, but I don’t have a favourite genre. I enjoy a wide variety – jazz, Latin American ballads, and the great French crooners. However, I’m particularly passionate about opera. Last year, I attended 20 different operas across Europe. The highlight for me was probably Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the Berlin Staatsoper on Christmas Day.

Of all the places you have visited on your travels, which comes top of the list and why?

In the 1990s, I served as an adviser during the restructuring of the Argentine economy following the restoration of democracy. I spent nearly five years in Argentina, exploring almost every part of it. During my time there, I learned to speak Spanish and dance tango, and I developed a deep appreciation for its music, literature, traditions, landscapes and the complexities of its people. It’s a special place for me.

What food couldn’t you live without?

My eyes pop out of my head when I see those great plates of fresh seafood in old-fashioned French restaurants, piled high with clams, prawns, crab, and lobster. Throw in a glass of chilled Chardonnay from Burgundy, and I count that as one of the gastronomical blessings of life.

What are you terrible at?

You probably wouldn’t want to watch a film with me: I struggle to remember the characters and plot lines. My mind wanders and I get bored easily.

What is a hidden talent that few people know you have?

I enjoy making fine furniture. My last effort was a mahogany dining table that seats 20 people!

In addition to his investment company roles, Glen chairs Knight Vinke Asset Management and serves as a senior advisor for Francis Maude Associates. Previously, he chaired Edinburgh Investment Trust and co-chaired the Capital Markets Advisory Committee from 2014 to 2020.