Jim Wood-Smith to retire

Jim Wood-Smith has announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on a glittering investment management career, spanning more than five decades.

Wood-Smith joined specialist investment and fund management business Hawksmoor Investment Management in 2014 as Chief Investment Officer of the firm’s private clients’ arm, leading the charge in developing the firm’s wide range of investment solutions.

Prior to Hawksmoor, Wood-Smith spent lengthy spells with Gerrard (formerly Gerrard Vivian Gray) as Head of Research, and with Investec Wealth Management as Chief Investment Strategist. He will retire from his current position, as Market Commentator and Head of Climate Transition, in October.

Commenting on Wood-Smith’s retirement, Hawksmoor Chief Executive, Sarah Soar said: “Jim will continue to write for the firm, and to lead our climate transition programme in his remaining months. He has played a leading role in Hawksmoor’s development over many years and will leave a legacy to be proud of. We are immensely appreciative of everything he has done, and I know that I speak for the whole team in wishing him well for the future.”

Wood-Smith, who is “looking forward to spending a little more time on the golf course”, amongst other leisure pursuits, said that he could not stand down without knowing that the Research team was in good hands. “I am therefore delighted that Simon [see below] is joining us and will be working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition.”

New Head of Research

“We are embarking on an exciting new chapter”, added Soar. “Simon Reynolds’ appointment is key as we continue to strengthen our fund research capability.”

Reynolds, whose career spans more than 25 years, was most recently Fund Manager, Head of Multi-Manager Investments & Head of Manager Research with Octopus, having spent spells with ipac, Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, AXA Investment Managers and Mercer Investments.