Q&A with Russell's new Institutional BDM
Daniel Birch has moved into an institutional business development role at Russell Investments, responsible for building new business and focusing on investment partnerships with large funds. He tells us about the new job, how it will differ from his previous job and a little about his very first job as a hay bailer.
Daniel Birch has moved into an institutional business development role at Russell Investments, responsible for building new business and focusing on investment partnerships with large funds. He tells us about the new job, how it will differ from his previous job and a little about his very first job as a hay bailer.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
The opportunity to develop new relationships and build stronger relationships with existing clients. I am a passionate believer in the Russell's solutions. This month Russell won the inaugural "Integrity Award" at the Chant West Super Fund Awards. This is recognition of 'doing the right thing' and acting in the interests of our clients. It confirms something that's been part of our make-up for decades and one of the reasons I originally joined the firm. It's not just about what we do, but just as much about how we go about doing it.
How will it most differ from your previous role?
I will now have the opportunity to work with our clients and prospects in order to accurately and successfully identify where Russell can help. We have many market leading solutions and my new role will be to match these solutions with the needs of our prospects and clients.
What skill do you think is paramount in working in the financial services industry?
As with any role you have to have a deep interest in your industry. I have been very fortunate to have had interesting roles before Russell such as sales trading, prop trading, fund manager and equity market strategist. Without that interest your passion disappears and therefore so does your performance.
If you could give advice to someone starting out in the industry what would it be?
Again this is not industry specific but keep asking questions and keep learning. I like to say you should become a "human sponge" for more information. The problem however for me is retaining all that information!
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
Would an introvert answer these questions?
What was your very first job?
I was a hay bailer one summer holiday. This involved starting in the afternoon after the morning dew dried up and finishing when the sun went down. Good physical labour in the sunshine. I even overcame my hay fever allergy!
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
During the summer I bless Bronte beach in my Speedos as I am a volunteer life saver. My two children are Nippers and I also help out with water safety early on Sunday mornings.
