The CIO Chair

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The CIO Chair: How Chief Investment Officers think, decide, and lead Ever wondered what really drives the top CIOs?  Sean Thompson and Hartej Singh introduce to you - The CIO Chair, a podcast diving into the strategies, leadership styles and decision-making approaches of today’s leading chief investment officers. Whether you're shaping your own path or leading an investment team today, this series offers real insights of the minds and career's of leaders in investment. A collaboration between the cio investment club and Pension Insurance Corporation Hosted by: Sean Thompson, cio investment club Hartej Singh, Pension Insurance Corporation 

  1. 2d ago

    12. Jeremy Rogers, CIO,  Better Society Capital - Investing for Impact Without Losing Sight of Returns

    In this episode of The CIO Chair Podcast, we speak with Jeremy Rogers, Chief Investment Officer at Better Society Capital, about the evolution of impact investing and the role investment can play in tackling some of the UK's most pressing social and environmental challenges. Jeremy brings a particularly interesting perspective to the conversation, having worked across both the financial and social sectors, including a senior role at JP Morgan, Big Issue Invest and The Prince's Trust. At Better Society Capital, he has spent more than a decade investing in and helping to develop the UK's social impact investment market. Jeremy shares his perspective on how financial returns and positive social outcomes can work together, rather than treating impact as something separate from investment decision-making. He also reflects on his experience helping to develop the UK's social impact investment market and the importance of experimentation, collaboration and looking beyond traditional investment frameworks. The conversation explores impact investing, systemic change, social investment and investment opportunities, as well as the challenges of measuring impact and identifying where capital can genuinely make a difference. Finally, Jeremy reflects on what he's learned during his time at Better Society Capital, what he's most proud of and his advice for people beginning their careers in investment. His message is simple: rather than trying to predict exactly where the industry is heading, find an environment with a steep learning curve, a strong culture and opportunities to deliver good ideas. https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    12. Jeremy Rogers, CIO,  Better Society Capital - Investing for Impact Without Losing Sight of Returns

  2. Jul 10

    11. Black Swans, Natural Capital and Leadership with David Thompson, CIO at Zurich Insurance

    David Thompson, Chief Investment Officer at Zurich Insurance Company Limited, joins us to discuss a career spanning investment banking, asset management and insurance investing. From writing 52 letters to land his first role at Lehman Brothers to leading one of the UK's major insurance investment portfolios, David shares the lessons that have shaped his investment philosophy and leadership style. The conversation explores how insurers balance long-term liabilities, why diversification matters more than predicting "black swan" events, and why Zurich has committed capital to UK natural capital through woodland creation, peatland restoration and biodiversity projects. David also discusses responsible investing, manager selection, developing high-performing teams and the importance of curiosity as a career advantage. Key topics coveredDavid's journey from Lehman Brothers to CIO at ZurichWhy he wrote 52 letters to secure his first role in financeHow trading, asset management and asset ownership each shaped his perspectiveManaging life, P&C and policyholder portfolios within an insurance businessStrategic asset allocation and working with external managersWhy Zurich invested in UK natural capital and biodiversityThe investment case for woodland creation and peatland restorationResponsible investing: what works and where the industry still falls shortPreparing portfolios for uncertainty rather than predicting market shocksBuilding cognitively diverse investment teamsRadical candour, Ikigai and developing future leadersWhy curiosity may be the most valuable skill in financeDavid's thoughts on the future of the UK investment marketMemorable quotes"You never stop learning in finance.""The best thing to do is to have a portfolio that's ready when uncertainty arrives.""The only lasting impact you have in financial services is the impact you have on other people.""Curiosity is just as important as IQ and EQ."Books and recommendations mentionedBirdsongAny Human HeartThe Black SwanBlinkWho Moved My Cheese?Quick FireFavourite sport: CricketFavourite TV drama: Peaky BlindersFavourite films: E.T., Oliver!, Ben-Hur, The Sound of MusicFavourite drink: White BurgundyFavourite hobby: ActingLeadership philosophy: Radical candour and IkigaiCareer advice: Stay curious and never stop learning. https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    11. Black Swans, Natural Capital and Leadership with David Thompson, CIO at Zurich Insurance

  3. Jun 24

    10. Will Nicoll, CIO, RLAM on why trust, transparency, and disciplined decision-making define the modern CIO

    In this episode of The CIO Chair Podcast, we sit down with Will Nicoll, chief investment officer at Royal London Asset Management, for a wide-ranging conversation on investment leadership, team building, and navigating uncertainty in today's markets. Drawing on decades of experience across asset management and institutional investing, Will shares why trust is the foundation of every successful investment organisation. He explains how CIOs can build high-performing teams, encourage constructive disagreement, and create an environment where people are motivated by purpose rather than hierarchy. His approach to leadership is rooted in transparency, honesty, and putting clients' interests first. The conversation also explores some of the most challenging moments of Will's career, including lessons learned during the Global Financial Crisis, the dangers of making decisions based on what feels "normal," and why patience is often one of the most underrated skills in investing. Will discusses the opportunities and challenges facing UK investors, the role of infrastructure in supporting economic growth, and how long-term investors should think about market cycles and portfolio resilience. Alongside his investment insights, Will offers thoughtful reflections on hiring, career development, and the importance of helping people find roles where they can thrive. His leadership philosophy is refreshingly simple: great teams are built on trust, great advice is clear and unbiased, and successful organisations are those that continue serving their clients long after today's leaders have moved on. https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    10. Will Nicoll, CIO, RLAM on why trust, transparency, and disciplined decision-making define the modern CIO

  4. May 29

    09. How to Navigate Risk, Change, and Uncertainty with Siddharth Chakravarty, Vice President of Investments, Coaction Global

    In this episode of The CIO Chair Podcast, we sit down with Siddharth Chakravarty, Vice President of Investments at Coaction Global. We explore the realities of modern investment leadership and the evolving responsibilities of today’s chief investment officer. The conversation covers how CIO's make decisions in uncertain markets, balance long-term strategy with short-term pressures, and build investment frameworks that can withstand volatility and structural change. We also discuss governance, risk management, portfolio construction, and the human side of leadership inside institutional investing. Throughout the episode, Siddharth brings a measured, analytical perspective to complex investment questions, while also showing a natural curiosity and openness that reflects how he approaches leadership and learning. Rather than relying on rigid market narratives, Siddharth emphasises adaptability, long-term thinking, and the importance of staying intellectually honest when conditions change. Siddharth reflects on his career journey, the lessons learned from navigating complex market cycles, and the mindset required to lead investment teams effectively in today’s environment. We also explore the future of investing, including how technology, private markets, sustainability, and changing client expectations are reshaping the CIO role. Whether you’re a chief investment officer, institutional investor, pension professional, or aspiring investment leader, this episode offers practical insights into how the industry is evolving, and what great investment leadership looks like in practice.  Enjoy! And please consider leaving us a review/rating on your podcast platform of choice. https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    09. How to Navigate Risk, Change, and Uncertainty with Siddharth Chakravarty, Vice President of Investments, Coaction Global

  5. May 7

    08. The Rise of DC: How the Pensions CIO Role Is Changing with Veronica Humble, CIO, Cushon.

    In this episode of The CIO Chair Podcast, we speak with Veronica Humble, Chief Investment Officer at Cushon, about how the role of the CIO is evolving in the world of defined contribution (DC) pensions. As more individuals take responsibility for their retirement outcomes, CIOs must rethink how investment strategies are designed, communicated, and delivered at scale. Veronica shares how Cushon is approaching this challenge by focusing on member engagement, simplicity, and long-term value creation. With a background in quantitative investing and portfolio construction, Veronica brings a data-driven perspective to pension design, combining rigorous analysis with a strong focus on real-world member outcomes. She explains why traditional pension structures often fail to connect with savers, and how integrating ESG principles, private markets, and default fund design can help deliver better retirement outcomes.  We explore the importance of digital experience, behavioural insights, and creating investment journeys that members can actually understand and engage with. For chief investment officers, pension professionals, and institutional investors, this episode offers practical insight into how investment leadership is adapting to meet the needs of today’s savers, and what the future of DC pension investing could look like. https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    08. The Rise of DC: How the Pensions CIO Role Is Changing with Veronica Humble, CIO, Cushon.

  6. Mar 18

    07. Inside Lloyd’s: Guillermo Donadini on Risk, Capital and Leadership

    Guillermo Donadini joins Sean Thompson and Hartej Singh to discuss how investment strategy supports the Lloyd’s insurance market. As CIO of the Corporation of Lloyd’s, Guillermo manages the central fund while overseeing investment risk across the broader marketplace. Guillermo begins by reflecting on his early exposure to economics growing up in Argentina, where economic instability made financial understanding a part of everyday life. His career path, from research roles to global CIO positions at AIG and eventually Lloyd’s, was shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a belief in being “part of the solution.” He explains how the Lloyd’s model differs from traditional insurance companies. Instead of operating as a single insurer, Lloyd’s functions as a marketplace where multiple syndicates share complex risks. The central fund acts as a financial backstop, making its investment strategy critical to maintaining market confidence. The episode explores how Guillermo approaches asset allocation, risk appetite, and portfolio resilience. He discusses how liquidity stress testing and scenario analysis help ensure that assets remain available when claims arise, even during extreme market events. Guillermo also reflects on lessons from earlier crises, including Argentina’s sovereign default, and how those experiences shaped his approach to risk management. He emphasises the importance of preparation, contingency planning, and disciplined processes. Beyond investing, Guillermo shares insights on leadership, mentorship, and personal purpose. For him, the ultimate measure of success is not only strong portfolios but also developing the next generation of investment leaders. https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    07. Inside Lloyd’s: Guillermo Donadini on Risk, Capital and Leadership

  7. Feb 11

    06. A CIO Perspective on LGPS Pooling and Long-Term Investing, With Richard Tomlinson

    In this episode of The CIO Chair, Sean Thompson and Hartej Singh speak with Richard Tomlinson, Chief Investment Officer of Local Pensions Partnership Investments (LPPI). Richard oversees investment implementation for local government pension scheme (LGPS) funds, managing assets on behalf of workers across local authorities and public bodies in the UK. Richard explains the origins and purpose of LGPS pooling, outlining how LPPI operates with full delegation to implement partner funds’ investment strategies. He shares what the day-to-day life of a CIO looks like in a large pooled environment, balancing strategy, governance, manager selection, risk oversight, and team leadership. The conversation explores Richard’s career journey, from engineering at Cambridge to hedge funds, consulting, and ultimately public-sector asset ownership.  The discussion spans private assets, UK investment opportunities, and the challenges of pricing long-dated risk. Richard shares a pragmatic view on housing, infrastructure, and corporate investing, emphasising transparency around return expectations and trade-offs. The episode also explores team culture, delegation, and learning from past mistakes, including lessons from 2008. Richard closes by reflecting on leadership, AI’s evolving role in investment processes, and what it means to leave behind a strong institution rather than personal heroics. https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    06. A CIO Perspective on LGPS Pooling and Long-Term Investing, With Richard Tomlinson

  8. Jan 26

    05. Inside Public Pensions: Gerald Chen-Young on Policy, Risk and Global Investing

    In this episode of The CIO Chair, Sean Thompson and Hartej Singh are joined by Gerald Chen-Young, Chief Investment Officer of the National Public Pension Funds Association (NPPFA). Gerald oversees an internal portfolio while advising public pension systems representing police, fire, and teacher plans with nearly $1 trillion in combined assets. Gerald reflects on his unusual career path, combining advanced training in economics and law. He explains how this combination has shaped his investment philosophy and fiduciary decision-making. We explore asset-liability matching across different pools of capital, highlighting why each mandate requires its own investment framework. Gerald discusses the importance and limits of investment policy statements, arguing that IPSs should act as guidelines rather than rigid rulebooks. Drawing on the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-era market dislocations, he shares real-world examples where disciplined exceptions created long-term value. Gerald also addresses diversification, private assets, and risk, cautioning against confusing reduced visibility with reduced volatility. He offers a nuanced view on ESG, responsible investing, and the political tensions surrounding these approaches in the US. He shares his perspective as a newly appointed adjunct professor at Georgetown University, highlighting the importance of education in preparing the next generation of investment professionals. We conclude with insights on global investing, emerging markets, academia’s role in developing future investors, and Gerald’s legacy as a CIO, defined by intellectual rigour, resilience under scrutiny, and work that stands the test of time! https://www.cioinvestmentclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cio-investment-club/posts/?feedView=all

    05. Inside Public Pensions: Gerald Chen-Young on Policy, Risk and Global Investing
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The CIO Chair: How Chief Investment Officers think, decide, and lead Ever wondered what really drives the top CIOs?  Sean Thompson and Hartej Singh introduce to you - The CIO Chair, a podcast diving into the strategies, leadership styles and decision-making approaches of today’s leading chief investment officers. Whether you're shaping your own path or leading an investment team today, this series offers real insights of the minds and career's of leaders in investment. A collaboration between the cio investment club and Pension Insurance Corporation Hosted by: Sean Thompson, cio investment club Hartej Singh, Pension Insurance Corporation 

Information

  • Creator
    cio investment club
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The CIO Chair
  • Show Website
    The CIO Chair