Getting to know Shawn Burns, Senior Portfolio Manager at Contango
Shawn Burns first joined Contango Asset Management in 2012. Shawn tells Industry Moves that he's found in Contango a business aligned with his professional biases and ethics, and that being nimble and flexible in his role as senior portfolio manager is "a bit of an adrenalin rush". When not at the job he loves, in his new home-city of Melbourne, his time is reserved for family and a little girl named Bella with a flair for creative writing.
Shawn Burns first joined Contango Asset Management in 2012. Shawn tells Industry Moves that he's found in Contango a business aligned with his professional biases and ethics, and that being nimble and flexible in his role as senior portfolio manager is "a bit of an adrenalin rush". When not at the job he loves, in his new home-city of Melbourne, his time is reserved for family and a little girl named Bella with a flair for creative writing.
What initially drew you to take up the position at Contango?
I was initially drawn to the position at Contango due to its strong macro driven investment philosophy, its established infrastructure and team and importantly the opportunity to grow the business.
Contango's expertise in macroeconomics is superior to anywhere else I've worked, which is a huge competitive advantage in portfolio construction and stock selection. The ability to integrate top down with bottom up analysis really excites me.
Secondly, Contango presented a great opportunity for professional growth and development, thanks to its established business base and infrastructure. In short, I feel the business aligns well with my professional biases and ethics, which gives me the best chance to make a major contribution.
What are you most enjoying about being a portfolio manager?
I really enjoy being a portfolio manager and it is the best job I could ask for. I think it allows me to effectively apply my analytical abilities in a diverse range of areas.
It's also a bit of an adrenalin rush. We have to be nimble and flexible and need to make quick decisions based on limited information. Constantly weighing up risk and return under different scenarios is thrilling. Having a great rapport with team members is important and working well with colleagues you respect is critical in making correct calls. That's what's great about Contango's culture. There are not too many jobs where you miss being away from the desk.
What do you see as your biggest challenge for the next 12 months?
My biggest challenge over the next 12 months is to generate as much value for clients as possible. This means working hard and interacting effectively with the team in volatile financial markets. Another challenge is to improve and grow the business and to spread the word about the great work and great expertise we deliver for clients and shareholders.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life/career?
My father has been the largest influence in my life. He grew up in the Depression era and was shaped by that experience. He was also very principled and never believed in short cuts or compromising those principles. He was a big supporter throughout my career and life and I very much miss his wise counsel.
What is one of the best pieces of advice you've ever been given?
I have had plenty of advice over my career on investing but I think the best piece of advice I have been given is that your reputation is the most valuable asset you have. Behaving as a trustworthy professional is paramount regardless of your investing expertise. The positions we occupy bring a lot of benefits but also great responsibility and operating at a level of ethical integrity is essential. In that respect I like to steal a line from Warren Buffet: "Act as if everything you do is printed in the newspaper".
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the south west of Sydney. My school was East Hills Boys' which produced a range of sportsmen including Ian Thorpe and the Waugh brothers. Although I won a premiership in basketball my expertise definitely lay elsewhere.
What was your very first job?
My first job was as an analyst for the Australian Treasury and I was analysing the likes of the AMP Society, National Mutual and other life companies. At that time they were the largest investors in shares in the country and I found analysing their investing strategies incredibly interesting. Shortly afterwards I entered the funds management industry and realised that was where I wanted to be.
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
Outside of work most of my time is spent with my wonderful family especially my beautiful young daughter. Bella has taken well to school down here and is showing good creative writing (better than her father) for a six year old but the numbers need a bit more work (thankfully not better than her father).
I've managed to survive the first few winters in Melbourne and run or ride about 80km a week to and from work along the beautiful Yarra River. I'm still coming to grips with AFL down here and I still love rugby league, especially my beloved Manly Sea Eagles.
Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?
I support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation because a cousin who I was very close to was lost to cystic fibrosis so I have an emotional attachment to fighting that disease. Cystic fibrosis is a life threatening genetic condition that people are born with.
After I am done with funds management I would like to get much more involved in giving something back, maybe by joining a charity board.
Industry Moves has previously interviewed four members of the Contango Asset Management team:
Alistair Drummond when he re-joined the firm as an investment manager in May 2015 - Read Q&A
Stephen Scott when he was appointed as a senior investment analyst in April 2015 - Read Q&A
George Boubouras (current chief investment officer) when he was appointed in December 2014 - Read Q&A
Economist Eamon Zelencich as part of the 'Getting to know Contango' series - Read Q&A
