#06_Raphael Robelin, Chief Investment Officer, BlueBay Asset Management, London, UK

Leadership Backstage

Raphael Robelin is Chief Investment Officer of the London based Blue Bay Asset management, acquired some years ago by the Royal Bank of Canada. He describes this function as the “engine room”. We talk about the Brexit and the uncertainty it brings for all. He also still remembers vividly the challenges of the global financial crisis 10 years ago, the ultimate stress test as he calls it. And reflects both on the learning from that time and on the impact of the financial regulations on the business now. He started as the 16th employee and became years later part of the top leadership team of this 410 company. He recalls what he had to learn along the way. Raphael shares also how the company makes everything to keep the culture and the spirit of the firm as its founders created it and how their succession was thoroughly prepared before they left, including the time when he was appointed to his current role a few years ago. As one of the examples of how the company manages change in a sector where clients do not like change, as he describes it.