8 | Managing Director of the Year Awards 2022 Mar22445 Investment Data Analytics MD of the Year 2022: Sean Thompson Established within the investment fund industry sector, the operation of CAMRADATA provides clients with two primary brands – CAMRADATA Live, the company’s online asset manager research platform and Funds Europe, an investment magazine for asset managers and institutional investors. Led by accredited Investment Data Analytics MD of the Year, Managing Director Sean Thompson explains his success, role, and experience that is viewed as an integral factor in recognising CAMRADATA’s reputation. CAMRADATA, a company that offers two comprehensive services, such as CAMRADATA Live and Funds Europe, the business also supplies other publications such as Funds Global Asia, Funds Global MENA and Funds Tech, supporting those who are powering the global asset management industry. CAMRADATA Live, the company’s online asset manager research platform, provides independent investment data and analysis, connecting asset owners with the right asset managers. “We believe that all asset owners should have free access to global asset manager research (including information on ESG and D&I policies and processes) and investment thought leadership. This information needs to be clear, simple to understand and easy to view,” explains Sean. Moreover, to differentiate from competitors and surpass industry expectations – generating a snowballing effect of success, the company has added CAMRADATA Assisted Search Service. The aforementioned service is designed and provided to asset owners and investment consultants looking to create buy lists, assign mandates, or complete specific research across asset classes, generating opportunities for asset managers to win new business. Additionally, CAMRADATA Live is the only platform that provides this valuable and time-saving service to clients - for free. Expanding on the company’s efforts within the industry, Sean Thompson, Managing Director and most recently recognised as the Investment Data Analytics MD of the Year, states, “Our business is an influential and recognised brand providing manager research, performance and risk monitoring, peer reporting, thought leadership, editorial content, roundtables, webinars, business breakfasts across all the jurisdictions in which we serve.” For Sean, his role as Managing Director brings together both brands of the company – CAMRADATA Live and Funds Europe, helping to safeguard the efficacy of the business’s overall strategy and distribution in its particular focus areas. However, to do so effectively, the company was founded on three core values that reflect the business’s internal culture, motivation and guiding actions in decision making, such as simplicity, innovation and flexibility. CAMRADATA can break boundaries, push barriers, and create innovation for generations throughout the industry with these values. “I am not a Managing Director that shouts my name from the rooftop as I believe the success of a business is not purely down to one or two individuals. Instead, by being a leader, I steer the company and its employees, helping them learn, grow, and take responsibility to enable us to achieve the most profitable direction while implementing our business strategy and long-term goals,” states Sean. Sean has been within the industry for over 35 years, providing exceptional and one-of-a-kind expertise in the financial sectors, including investment consultancy, asset management, manager research and insurance. His journey began in 1986 when he left school after his A-Levels and joined a Lloyd’s Managing Agency. Like any success story, Sean started from the bottom as an Accounts Clerk and inevitably worked his way up to Manager of Syndicate Investments. After eight years, Sean joined a small asset management firm – working within various roles, including client relationships, business development and compliance. While he had several years of experience, his dedication, passion, and natural talent in the field led him to become Managing Director across several firms, including a role in investment consultancy and performance measurement. Soon after he joined CAMRADATA in 2011, it was inevitable that Sean moved up from Director to Managing Director in just three short years. Explaining his role and leadership style within the company, Sean adds, “As Managing Director, I am responsible for its direction and provide strategic guidance to the Board to ensure CAMRADATA achieves its key objectives. However, I believe it is important to be recognised as a positive leader who provides strong, clear leadership to the business. You should also always make individuals feel involved in the business and the direction it takes, encourage them and allow them to grow and develop in their roles which helps to create and sustain a culture of innovation and enablement.” Continuing from this point, Sean explains, “I do this by creating an open environment and a flat structure, which encourages communication and participation across our small business of 20 people. I ensure that all members of our company feel involved in the development of the business and the delivery of those objectives. I promote connection both inside and outside work, which
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