Director talk: Ian Henderson
Ian is a director of MIGO Opportunities Trust.
In the boardroom
How would you explain your role to somebody who was new to investment trusts?
For me, the role is about building and maintaining a mental map of what’s going on and making sure that it’s in the best long-term interest of the shareholders.
What’s the number one skill you bring to the board?
The whole investment trust sector is seeing a big shift in audience, away from institutions and wealth managers towards retail investors. My background includes extensive experience as a marketing adviser to some of the biggest names in retail investment, from Jupiter a way back to Vanguard currently, and those skills are increasingly relevant to the investment trust sector, and our board, today.
Trust your experience, do your homework and keep your hands behind your back. Remember the job is oversight, not management.
Ian Henderson, director of MIGO Opportunities Trust
What is the proudest moment of your career?
I’ve had a few proud moments in my career outside investment trusts (it’s still a thrill seeing an ad campaign you’re responsible for out on TV) and I’m only a couple of years into MIGO. But looking back at the way we’ve successfully navigated an extremely challenging couple of years and how the company is set up for future success is very satisfying – with performance already much improving.
What’s the most challenging part of your job as a trust director?
As a first-time director it can feel daunting to sit at a boardroom table among a team full-time, experienced and dedicated managers, brokers, analysts and advisers. There’s a lot of abbreviations and jargon to learn and of course you may not have the benefit of years in the industry. But a lot of support and learning material is available, including from the AIC, and that phase soon passes.
What advice would you offer to new directors?
Trust your experience, do your homework and keep your hands behind your back. Remember the job is oversight, not management.
Away from work
What’s your number one desert island disc?
Purple Rain by Prince. A desert island is about the only place I can sing along to it without someone turning the karaoke machine off.
Of all the places you have visited on your travels, which comes top of the list and why?
With a former side hustle as a travel journalist I’ve been lucky enough to visit some amazing places, from Antarctica to Zermatt. But if I had to choose one spot, it’s a particular place on the coast of Spain where we’ve been going as a family forever. And no, I’m not going to say where it is!
What are you terrible at?
Singing, especially Purple Rain. See above.
What do you do for fun?
I know it’s a terrible cliché, but I love running and cycling. This year’s highlights have included the Barcelona marathon and a ride from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Both of which seemed like fun afterwards.
Ian is on the board of MIGO Opportunities Trust and is chair of communications agency AML. He is adviser to other fintechs and startups.
