Our people

Peter Hugh Smith was appointed Chief Executive of CCLA in 2019 and is responsible to the CCLA board for the overall performance of the business and quality of our service for clients.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in the investment management industry, more recently as Managing Director of the fund services business, Link Fund Solutions. His experience has ranged from wholesale relationship management at Russell Investments to establishing an asset management business for Hong Kong conglomerate, Seapower.

Peter is involved with the charity Mary Ward Loreto (UK), a charity that endeavours to combat modern slavery in Albania and the UK through the eradication of poverty, which is the primary cause of human trafficking.

Elizabeth is responsible for all financial and operational matters at CCLA on behalf of clients. She was appointed Chief Operating Officer of CCLA in November 2018.

Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with an audit practice specialising in the ‘not for profit’ sector, Elizabeth joined the financial services audit team at Ernst and Young. From there she moved on to Man Group working in a number of areas including operations and a large outsourcing project.

Jean-Paul Lim joined CCLA in May 2020 as Chief Risk Officer and is responsible for the control functions within CCLA including risk, compliance and oversight of the internal audit function.

Prior to CCLA, he held senior roles at Link Group’s Fund Solutions business, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Baring Asset Management and BNY Mellon Investment Management International. Before joining the private sector, Jean-Paul spent a few years at the UK regulator (then known as Financial Services Authority) specialising in investment funds authorisation and policy.

Jean-Paul is a graduate in business studies and has over 20 years of compliance experience gained at the UK regulator and within the asset management industry.

jean-paul.lim@ccla.co.uk

Prior to joining the Company, Andrew was Head of Community Development Banking for RBS and NatWest, responsible for the not-for-profit and social enterprise sectors. Before joining NatWest, he was the founding Executive Director of the UK’s first community development finance institution to provide loan finance to voluntary and community sector organisations working in the most disadvantaged communities in England.

Prior to these roles he worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, the St Paul’s Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Arthritis Society. Currently Andrew is an Advisor to Switchback. Previously he was: Trustee - RBS Social & Community Captial; Chair - Community Development Foundation; Vice Chair - LankellyChase Foundation; Trustee - Local Trust; and Trustee - Locality, having been a trustee of both the Development Trusts Association and British Association of Settlements & Social Action Centres. Andrew is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts and was awarded an MBE for services to social and community enterprise in 2003.

He was appointed as an Executive Director of CCLA in 2006.

David joined CCLA in 2020 and is responsible for new product strategy and ongoing management of the CCLA fund range. He is also Chief Executive of CCLA Fund Managers Limited.

David has over 35 years’ experience of financial markets, most recently as Global Head of Product for BMO Global Asset Management. Prior to that he managed portfolios of fixed income assets for banks’ proprietary and client portfolios, having begun his career in the debt management arm of an oil major.

David holds an MA in economics from Cambridge University.

Ben is responsible for guiding investment strategy, conducting economic analysis and setting CCLA’s approach to asset allocation.

Ben joins CCLA from Man Group (and formerly GLG Partners), where he worked as Chief Equity Strategist and then portfolio manager for both equity and multi-asset funds. Prior to this, he was at Morgan Stanley for eleven years as an award-winning European Equity Strategist and sat on the global asset allocation committee for the Private Wealth Management business.

He was educated in modern languages at Durham University, UK.

Charlotte is responsible for managing equity portfolios.

Charlotte spent the first 15 years of her career at Newton Investment Management where she was a multi-asset and subsequently a global equities manager for UK and international pension funds. She joined CCLA in 2016 from EFG, where she was a senior portfolio manager.

Charlotte read modern history at the University of St Andrews, holds an MA in history from College of William & Mary, Virginia, and an MBA from Cranfield. She holds the Investment Management Certificate and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

James is responsible for CCLA’s approach to sustainable investing. This includes our work to deliver real and lasting change through active stewardship, integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into our investment processes and ensuring that our portfolios are aligned with the values and mission of our clients.

James joined CCLA in 2010 and has developed and led programmes that have improved corporate behaviour on a wide range of issues including climate change, mental health, the Living Wage and modern slavery.

James was most recently recognised by the Investment Week’s Sustainable Investment Awards 2023 for his Outstanding Contribution to the Sustainable Investment Industry. He was also named one of Financial News’ 40 Rising Stars of Asset Management in Europe, 2020.

Prior to joining CCLA, James completed his PhD in economic geography at the University of Nottingham. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Jasper Berens is responsible for the client relationship team and distribution.

Jasper has 28 years of experience working with the UK financial intermediaries. He began his career in fund sales at Hambros Fund Management focused very much on investments. Later, Jasper went on to head up the UK Fund Management business for JPMorgan Asset Management where he was responsible for the distribution of JPMorgan’s investment capability including sales, marketing, product, PR, business strategy and business management in the UK. At Artemis, as Global Head of Distribution, he added institutional clients and European clients further expanding his knowledge.

Jasper is a non-executive director at One Nine Four Group and was previously a Board member of the Investment Association.

Brigitte has over 20 years of experience, of which more than 15 years have been in the field of people and strategy. She has worked across various industries to drive strategic initiatives and foster a positive organisational culture. Brigitte is passionate about creating inclusive environments where employees can thrive and reach their full potential.

Brigitte joined CCLA in July 2023 and has built up the HR function into a strategic partner to the business. Prior to joining CCLA, Brigitte held chief of staff functions at G-Research and UBS Asset Management, supporting CEOs and C-suite executives in delivering organisational strategy and transformational projects.

Brigitte holds a Masters degree in tax law, law and professional teaching as well as several certifications in leadership and communication topics.

Elizabeth Carter is responsible for managing relationships with our clients. She also has special responsibility for a number of our larger charity clients and those in our COIF Charities Ethical Investment Fund.

She joined CCLA in July 2004 from Clerical & Medical. After graduating from King’s College London with a Law degree, Elizabeth joined the investment department of Clerical Medical, latterly Insight Investment.

She holds a diploma in Private Client Investment Advice and Management and is a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).

elizabeth.carter@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6025

Antonia Cavalier is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

Antonia joined CCLA in March 2012 and has nineteen years’ experience in financial services. Prior to CCLA, Antonia worked at AonHewitt, an investment consultancy, in their Delegated Consulting team working with pension funds to provide a long-term solution for their funding gaps.  After graduating with a BA (Hons) in International Business with Italian, Antonia worked with both retail and institutional clients from around the world at the asset management companies Fidelity International and MFS International.

Antonia holds a diploma in Private Client Investment Advice and Management and is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).

antonia.cavalier@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6023

Jamie supports our client investment directors and client relationship managers.

He joined CCLA in 2001 and has a wealth of experience in client facing roles. He brings special expertise in exchanging securities for holdings in CCLA managed funds and is the link between CCLA’s administration and clients, often being the first port of call for quarterly reporting clients in need of support.

jamie.charters@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6147

Ed Christian is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

Ed joined CCLA in May 2018. Prior to this Ed was a senior investment manager at JM Finn, having worked at the firm for a total of 12 years, where he managed multi-asset portfolios on behalf of private individuals, charities, trusts and small companies. During this time, he had responsibility for the quoted infrastructure sector.

Ed is a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and has a BA in politics from Newcastle University.

ed.christian@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6094

Alexandra Dacres-Hogg is responsible for building CCLA’s relationships with London-based discretionary wealth managers, family offices and multi-managers.
 
Alexandra joined CCLA in April 2022 as Sales Manager from Muzinich & Co, where she was responsible for the discretionary client base in London and the Channel Islands, as well as the UK relationship with leading Swiss global banks. Prior to this, she held sales roles at Sanlam Investments and M&G Investments where she focused on discretionary and wholesale client relationships and distribution. 
 
Alexandra holds a BA in modern history from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and holds the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Institute.

alexandra.dacres-hogg@ccla.co.uk
0207 489 6121

Willie Hartley Russell is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

Willie has a wealth of experience in the charity sector. He joined CCLA in 2019 from Smith & Williamson where he was a partner. He began his investment management career at Mercury Asset Management (now BlackRock) in 1996 where he was a senior director on the charities team.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and is an associate of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (ACSI). He also holds the Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance (C Dip AF) from the Association of Certified Accountants. He was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 2011 and is a deputy lieutenant of Berkshire. He is a trustee of two charities.

willie.hartleyrussell@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6114

Andrew Hunter Johnston is responsible for managing the relationships with our clients.

Andrew joined CCLA in 2013. After qualifying as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse, he joined the SG Warburg Group in 1980 (now BlackRock). He worked initially as an analyst, first in the Corporate Finance department, then in UK equities, and subsequently as a fund manager. He was Head of Charities from 2000 until he left BlackRock in 2013.

Andrew was educated at Cambridge University. He is a trustee of three UK charities and is an active volunteer for a number of other causes.

andrew.hunterjohnston@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6059

Lee is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

Lee joined CCLA in 2022 after 28 years’ experience within the financial services industry, with the last 11 years being spent in the Charity & Local Authority sectors and the wider Social Economy, providing debt finance to support organisations to buy or build residential & commercial property to meet social demands, creating impact within communities & nationally.

Over the last 23 years, Lee has held a number of senior management roles both regionally & nationally and has a wide knowledge of the Commercial/Corporate/Local Government sectors and the social economy.

Lee is the former President of a Chamber & Trade & Commerce, one which became one of only a handful in the country to convert to CIC status.

Alison Jermey heads CCLA’s Client Services team that is responsible for all aspects of service delivery and administration for our clients and potential clients.

Alison joined CCLA in 1994, having previously spent 11 years with Coutts & Co.

clientservices@ccla.co.uk
0800 022 3505

Oliver Jones-Davies is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

Oliver joined CCLA in September 2009, prior to which he worked in investment management and investment banking. As a fund manager his responsibilities included the active management of cash, bonds and equities for high net worth individuals and charities. In Investment banking he advised and managed complex institutional clients and also took a leading role on the public offering of a number of European government owned companies.

He is a chartered fellow of the Securities Institute and has an MA in economics and economic history from Edinburgh University.

oliver.jones-davies@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6049

Ed Kirwan is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

Ed joined CCLA in 2018 and has 34 years’ experience of advising and managing clients. He was previously Head of Investment Management (Charities) at Barclays where he established and managed the multi-asset Barclays Charity Fund. Prior to this, Ed was Head of Charity Investment at Coutts & Co and brings wide experience as a charity trustee.

He was educated at the University of London, is a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), holds the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing and is a member of the Responsible Investment Academy.

ed.kirwan@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6158​

Samuel is responsible for managing our relationships with retail and wholesale clients.

Samuel joined CCLA in July 2022 and has over 25 years of experience working in investment management. Samuel has previously worked at Majedie Asset Management, Woodford Investment Management and M&G Investment Management across a variety of roles before specialising in client relationships and distribution for the last 17 years.

Samuel holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

samuel.lynes@ccla.co.uk
0207 489 6054

Daisy is responsible for managing relationships with our clients. Daisy joined CCLA in 2013.

She began her career in financial services in 2007 and has worked for UBS Bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank and Barclays Bank. Daisy has a BA (hons) degree in business and management and a post-graduate Certificate in International Business. She holds a diploma in Private Client Investment Advice and Management (PCIAM), the CFA Investment Management Certificate (IMC), the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing, and is a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).

Daisy is a trustee of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and she is also a committee member of the CISI Wealth Management Forum.

daisy.mannifield@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6125

Sam joined CCLA in August 2022 as Head of Strategic Relationships. Sam previously spent 13 years at Jupiter Asset Management in various management positions, latterly as Head of Key Accounts and Strategic Partnerships. Sam started his investment career at Fidelity International in 2006 following the completion of his degree at the University of Southampton. Sam holds the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Institute 

sam.pennefather@ccla.co.uk
0207 489 6062

Nick Reid is responsible for managing relationships for our clients.

Nick joined Mercury Asset Management in 1988, following 12 years in the Army (Royal Green Jackets). He moved to Gerrard Vivian Gray in 1994 and then Cazenove in 1996. On being made a Partner, he became Head of Charities, leaving Cazenove in 2003.  After 5 years away from the City pursing other business interests, he joined first HSBC as Head of Charities in 2008 and then RBC in 2012 in the same role.

Nick is Honorary Treasurer of the Hadleigh Farmer’s Agricultural Association and he sings with Hadleigh Choral Society.

nicholas.reid@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6111

Richard is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

He joined CCLA in 2022 after 20 years in the investment management industry, advising and managing charity and private client portfolios. Transitioning from an army career Richard completed an MBA at City University Business School (now Bayes Business School), subsequently working for Hermes Investment Management, Kleinwort Benson and Newton.

Richard is a trustee of the Forces Employment Charity (originally The Officers’ Association) and previously sat on the investment committee of a large City livery company endowment fund. He is a Chartered Fellow of the CISI and holds the PCIAM qualification.

Sharika Sharma joined CCLA Investment Management in 2019 as Head of Business Development. Her focus to ensure the future success of CCLA through effective support of its growing investor base, creative development of the brand, and collaborations that faithfully support CCLA’s extensive network of charity, faith and public sector organisations.

Prior to joining CCLA, Sharika was a director at Legal & General Investment Management in its defined contributions team working with pension consultants and advisers to provide long-term investment solutions for pension schemes across the UK. Sharika’s financial services career has included roles at M&G, Threadneedle and Citi Private Bank.

Sharika is a trustee of Hampton Fund, a grant-making charity, and a member of its finance and investment panel. She is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

sharika.sharma@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6102

Celia Waring is responsible for managing relationships with our clients. She is based in our Edinburgh office and manages relationships with clients across Scotland, and across the UK.

Celia joined CCLA in May 2016 with nine years' experience mainly in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to CCLA, Celia worked at the Legatum Institute Foundation, an international think tank, establishing all fundraising operations and building its network of donors and partners. After graduating with an MA (hons) in ancient history from Edinburgh University, Celia worked in advertising as an account manager with international, cross sector clients before joining CAFOD as their corporate partnerships manager.

Celia holds a diploma in Private Client Investment Advice and Management and is a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI).

celia.waring@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6068

Kelly is responsible for managing relationships with our clients.

Kelly joined CCLA in 2019 after 16 years finance and accountancy experience attained in both public and private sector. Kelly is a chartered accountant by background and her role prior to joining CCLA was Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) of a district council in local government. Kelly has held a number of senior roles within local government and the private sector, and has a wide range of experience, managing finance, procurement and property amongst other services.

Kelly is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and is currently a member of the National CIPFA Council as well as involved with volunteer roles in her home base of the Midlands.

kelly.watson@ccla.co.uk
020 7489 6105

Helen leads CCLA's climate change stewardship work. She engages with investee companies (primarily US utilities) to encourage them to manage the risks and opportunities associated with the net-zero transition. Helen convened the award-winning 'Aiming for A' stewardship initiative - one of the forerunners of Climate Action 100+. She was the recipient of the 2020 Joan Bavaria Award for her leadership on sustainability.

Until COP26 in Glasgow, much of Helen's time is allocated to the UK and Canadian governments' Powering Past Coal Alliance. She started her career at NatWest, Ashridge Business School, and UKSIF after graduating from the London School of Economics.

Ella joined CCLA in October 2022 as Strategic Partnerships Manager and is responsible for managing relationships with both strategic partners and advisory clients. Ella previously spent three years at Jupiter Asset Management, latterly as Business Development Manager.

Ella holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kent and the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) from the CFA Institute.

Amy joined CCLA’s Sustainability team in 2020. She is responsible for leading and coordinating CCLA’s stewardship activity across all areas, from public health and environment to corporate labour standards. Amy led the development of the CCLA Corporate Mental Health Benchmark and oversees the $9.9 trillion global investor coalition on workplace mental health that supports it.

Amy was recognised by the Financial News’ Rising Stars of Fund Management in 2023. She has 14 years’ experience in investing for charities and non-profit organisations, having previously worked at Cazenove and Sarasin & Partners.

Amy has a BA (first class honours) in history from the University of York. She is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. She holds the Private Client Investment Advice & Management Certificate, the Investment Advice Diploma, the CFA Society of the UK Investment Management Certificate and the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing.