Meet the manager: Chris Tanner
Co-Lead Investment Manager of JLEN Environmental Assets.
If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?
As I’ve got older, I’ve become more interested in policy and how governments can make a difference. I’m not sure I’ve got the stomach to be a politician, but a civil servant or a policy adviser role would be fascinating – someone close enough to influence decision-making.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
It’s less of a single moment and more the overall journey for JLEN which I feel proud of. JLEN celebrates its 10-year milestone anniversary this year. It is a great feeling to help shape the growth of a successful business and nurture a well-rounded team – one that has gone on to be a valuable part of Foresight Group.
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
Realising that I wasn’t a natural chartered accountant! Although it wasn’t an entirely wasted effort - the nature of audit work and the requirement to pass pretty dry exams helped me understand the importance of perseverance during those periods of a career when things aren’t entirely to your liking.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Early on in a career is an excellent time to take risks, so I would encourage my younger self to try different things – I didn’t need the security of being a chartered accountant!
“Early on in a career is an excellent time to take risks, so I would encourage my younger self to try different things.”
Chris Tanner, Co-Lead Investment Manager of JLEN Environmental Assets
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
I was roped into coaching my kids’ football teams, and now I really enjoy it. I also find that a bike ride helps to relieve any lingering work stress.
Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?
I’m a big fan of ‘The Rest is History’ podcast – I like learning more about events from history that I am vaguely familiar with but lack the time to research myself. The detail is so much richer and more fascinating than we’d ever be shown on a TV screen, the hosts really know their stuff!
Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?
Skiing with some of my oldest friends – because it’s great fun! We’ve been doing it for years and nowadays with work and family commitments we often won’t have seen each other for quite a while, so it’s great to catch up in a beautiful setting away from office distractions.
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
Last year I took part in an endurance challenge in the Alps and I found that I really enjoyed the disciplined training and working towards a goal, so I’m looking for something similar to do this year.
