Meet The Manager: Alan Gauld
Lead Fund Manager of Patria Private Equity Trust.
If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?
I am a scientist by background, having studied genetics at university, and often wonder what would have happened had I continued down that route. However, my more flippant answer is a golf caddy. I love the sport and being outdoors, exercise and meeting people. Maybe that’s my ‘hobby job’ once I retire.
“My three young children keep me very busy. I love golf but don’t have much time for it these days. Therefore, my devious plan is to slowly indoctrinate the children on the joys of the game! So far, this is proving successful…”
Alan Gauld, Lead Fund Manager of Patria Private Equity Trust
What was the proudest moment of your career?
I don’t think I have one big moment that stands above all others (yet). There are many moments I have been proud of as my career has progressed along the way, such as my secondment with a Ugandan NGO, some particularly successful PE investments – and of course becoming lead manager of Patria Private Equity Trust five years ago. Plenty more to come I hope.
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
I would say probably during the global financial crisis and its immediate aftermath. There was a great deal of uncertainty, and I was questioning whether to continue in private equity. Whilst I enjoyed it, the industry was struggling and there weren't many opportunities at that time. However I remained patient and stuck with it whilst some of my friends were moving up the ladder in other industries, and thankfully my patience eventually paid off as private equity has evolved into of the most dynamic industries to be in right now.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Go out and enjoy yourself… life is short and the hangovers only get worse!
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
My three young children keep me very busy. I love golf but don’t have much time for it these days. Therefore, my devious plan is to slowly indoctrinate the children in the joys of the game! So far, this is proving successful, the two boys love playing golf. All that remains is to get my three-year daughter on board to complete the four-ball.
Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?
I was recently introduced by a colleague to Robert Harris’ trio of books on the great Roman orator Marcus Cicero, which I have enjoyed. I have developed a strange obsession with the Roman republic, its failure and the subsequent empire (and its failure), and therefore The Rest is History is a recent podcast of choice too.
As for music, 90s/00s rock is at the core of my Spotify portfolio and I’m slightly embarrassed to say my last concert was Blink-182... I'm longing for the days of my youth, clearly.
Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?
My wife’s family are from the Spanish province of Cadiz. We visit annually and love it there. Beautiful beaches, great food and drink, friendly people and glorious sunshine, what’s not to like?
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
We are currently undertaking a large renovation on our house, which has been ongoing for four months and is only halfway through. If my wife and I can get through this, whilst also maintaining careers and raising our three beautiful (but occasionally demanding) kids, then that will be a great achievement.
