Meet the Manager: Tom Williams
Investment Manager of Downing Renewables and Infrastructure Trust (DORE).
What was the proudest moment of your career?
The Downing Renewables and Infrastructure Trust IPO. It really was a massive effort from the whole of Downing – everyone got behind it in a way that was quite inspiring. We didn’t make it easy for ourselves though. We were in COVID lockdown from idea to IPO and didn’t meet any advisers, colleagues or investors physically during the whole process. We closed the book the weekend before the country found out whether we would have a deal or no deal Brexit in December 2020. Looking back on it now, I really don’t know how we did it.
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
Definitely 2008. I was working at a merchant bank at the time, and everyone thought the world was ending. No one knew if they would have a job the next day, and that went on for years.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
The same advice I was given at the time. Love what you do for a living, because you spend most of your life at work. The moment you stop enjoying it – do something else.
“Love what you do for a living, because you spend most of your life at work. The moment you stop enjoying it – do something else.”
Tom Williams, Investment Manager of Downing Renewables and Infrastructure Trust (DORE)
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
It’s mainly trying to spend some decent time with the kids. They grow up fast! I do love skiing and try to get in as much as I can. We skied in Northern Sweden last year and it was completely magical. Can’t wait to go back.
Tell us about the last book you read?
I have bookshelves full of books about science, history and anthropology that I will read one day, honest. I drive my wife mad when I come home with another one that looks amazing and then takes its place in the ever-growing queue. In the interim I read pulp fiction.
Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?
Slovenia on an action-packed holiday with the family – and loved it. Such a fascinating and beautiful country. It’s only a few hours drive top to bottom but you go from the Austrian Alps in the North to the Mediterranean cost in the South via what can only be described as a tiny piece of Tuscany.
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
I’d like to get through at least one of those books…
