Meet the manager: Richard Hickman
Managing Director of HarbourVest Private Equity (HVPE).
If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?
As a kid I dreamt of becoming a car designer. Unfortunately, it became clear fairly early on that my artistic talents were, shall we say, limited – so that particular career path was closed off! Still, I’ve always admired the blend of creativity and engineering that goes into car design, and I would like to think I could be working in some kind of automotive role if I had not chosen a career in finance.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
Joining the Main Market and the FTSE 250 was a significant milestone not just for HVPE, but also for me personally. It stood as a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, and highlighted just how far we had come together.
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
The global financial crisis was, without doubt, the most challenging period I have experienced professionally. The sheer scale and speed of the downturn created an environment of uncertainty that was unprecedented.
The global financial crisis was, without doubt, the most challenging period I have experienced professionally.
Richard Hickman, Managing Director of HarbourVest Private Equity (HVPE).
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Buy and hold, and be patient. I would tell my younger self to be disciplined and to trust in the power of compounding over time. It is easy to get caught up in the noise of the moment or to chase quick wins, but the real rewards come from sticking to a well thought out plan and letting it play out.
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
In a nod to my childhood passion, I like to restore old cars. I tackle some of the smaller jobs myself but anything serious involves help from others who are more skilled. I’m currently finishing a 1998 BMW 750i (only real car nerds will understand this).
Tell us about the last book you read?
At the moment I’m working through Churchill’s biography of Marlborough. It’s a very detailed account, focused on the War of the Spanish Succession, and gives a vivid sense of the political intrigues of the time. Some of the themes certainly resonate with the present day!
What is your favourite film of all time and why?
It has to be the original Naked Gun film with Leslie Nielsen. I’ve always had a soft spot for silly comedies, and that film is a masterclass in deadpan humour and slapstick.
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
To finally finish the renovation work on my house. It started as “just a few repairs” but has ballooned into a fairly large project. It’ll definitely be finished by Christmas…
