Q&A with Rebecca McVittie
The investment director of Fidelity Emerging Markets talks about career ups and downs and what she does in her spare time.
If you weren’t in fund management, what job would you do?
Originally, I had every intention of becoming a lawyer. I worked in the City during my university holidays while studying in London, and somewhere along the way my head was turned by the world of finance.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
It's difficult to pick one moment. I've been incredibly fortunate to represent some of Fidelity's flagship investment strategies on stages ranging from small client meetings to large international conferences – I work with some of the best investors in the world, in my humble opinion, and so being the voice for their portfolios is a great privilege. Just as rewarding has been leading teams and seeing colleagues I've helped recruit and develop go on to build successful careers of their own.
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
Without question, 2022 and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It was unlike anything I'd experienced before. The pace of events, the uncertainty, our desire to ensure timely communication meant we were constantly learning and adapting. It was an intense period, but also one that really demonstrated the value of teamwork, transparency and being available when clients needed us most.
As life changes, having choices about where and how you live can become just as important as the career itself.
Rebecca McVittie, Investment Director of Fidelity Emerging Markets
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Think carefully about how geographically portable your career is. Some careers tie you to a particular city or location, while others offer much more flexibility. As life changes, having choices about where and how you live can become just as important as the career itself.
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
I'm the parent of teenage twins, and they're both incredibly sporty, so my weekends are usually spent travelling the length and breadth of the country for competitions and events. It's time-consuming, but it fills me with admiration watching the commitment and resilience they show. I travelled a great deal when they were younger, so I'm much more conscious now about being present, knowing they won't be at home forever. That doesn't leave a huge amount of time for me time and hobbies as I am a full time commuter, but I do enjoy walking my dogs – it's probably the one part of the week where I completely switch off. I'm sure there'll be more time for myself in a few years' time!
Tell us about the last book you read.
I'm currently reading The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. I've always loved Hardy's novels but somehow never got round to this one. I'm not quite finished yet, but it has everything I enjoy about his writing; beautifully observed characters, raw emotion and a real sense of place and rural tradition.
What is your favourite film of all time and why?
Lost in Translation. I first watched it while on a business trip to Japan, and it perfectly captures that strange mix of jet lag, disorientation, excitement and fascination you feel when you're there. I've been back to Japan around eight times over the past 20 years, and every visit reminds me why I loved the film so much.
