Director talk: Neil Rogan
Neil is chair of Invesco Asia Dragon Trust.
In the boardroom
What’s the number one skill you bring to the board?
I spent 30 years as a fund manager, managing Fleming Far Eastern Investment Trust from 1987 to 1995 and Gartmore Global Focus from 2001 to 2012. Having switched from poacher to gamekeeper, I understand how fund management works and what to look out for.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career?
I have worked on investment trusts from day one. There are many greats in the industry who have influenced me, but particular mention should go to Michael Watt, Michael Moule, Patrick Gifford and Brian O’Neill.
What is the proudest moment of your career?
Completing the Invesco Asia Dragon merger. They said a small trust couldn’t merge with a big trust and that two trusts on a discount couldn’t merge together. We proved them wrong on both counts. It also led to me opening the London Stock Exchange on day one of trading.
What’s the most challenging part of your job as a trust director?
Finding the sweet spot. It used to be fairly easy to know what to do but there are now so many divergent views on the major issues (buybacks, dividends, mergers) that it is very difficult to find the sweet spot. Once you think you’ve found it, it can be a lonely place for a while.
What advice would you offer to new directors?
Make sure you try to act in all your shareholders’ interests as much as possible. And speak up if something seems odd.
"I play walking football for Chelsea."
Neil Rogan, chair of Invesco Asia Dragon Trust
Away from work
What’s your number one desert island disc?
Was always up there as a favourite. but since I watched Paul McCartney create it out of thin air in the documentary it’s ‘Get Back’ by The Beatles.
Of all the places you have visited on your travels, which comes top of the list and why?
Hong Kong. We lived there in the 1990s, leaving just after the handover. The top ten things to do there are fantastic and we’ll be doing them again when we go back on holiday this summer.
What food couldn’t you live without?
Chicken Rogan Josh – It’s the family dish.
What are you terrible at?
Jokes. A friend once told me that only 20% of the ones I told were funny. I took that as a compliment.
What is a hidden talent that few people know you have?
I play walking football for Chelsea. The over 60s.
Neil is also chair of Baillie Gifford UK Growth and JP Morgan Global Growth & Income.
