Edinburgh-based asset management giant Baillie Gifford has won the top prize at the FTAdviser Investment 100 Club Awards for a fifth year running.
The judging panel said Baillie Gifford’s track record again stood out in the “Large Investment Group” category as its strategies also triumphed in three individual categories.
As well as winning the main award, Baillie Gifford’s American and Japanese funds as well as its flagship Scottish Mortgage fund all won their respective groups.
Baillie Gifford employs about 1,500 people and has assets under management and advice of £352 billion as at June 30, 2021.
The fund management firm is headquartered in Edinburgh and has offices in Buenos Aires, Dublin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Krakow, London, New York, Shanghai, Toronto and Zurich.
News of the award came as Baillie Gifford announced the retirement of three partners and associated changes to its investment teams.
Investment managers Gerard Callahan and Angus Franklin, who have been with the firm for 30 and 27 years respectively, will retire on April 30, 2022.
Lynn Dewar, head of the UK Clients team who joined the firm in 1992, will also retire at the same time.
There are currently 47 Baillie Gifford partners and newly appointed ones will be announced in January as usual.
Milena Mileva will join Gerard Callahan as co-manager for the UK Alpha Strategy and will take on the role of lead manager next May.
Mileva will also join the International All Cap Strategy when Gerard retires.
Mileva joined Baillie Gifford in 2009 and is an investment manager for the UK Equities Strategy.
Chris Davies will become a manager for the International Alpha Strategy to ensure a smooth transition from Franklin next May.
Davies joined Baillie Gifford in 2012 and will remain an investment manager for the Europe Strategy.
Andrew Telfer, Baillie Gifford joint senior partner, said: “Gerard, Angus, and Lynn have each made a substantial contribution to the firm, helping shape Baillie Gifford into the forward-thinking and inclusive organisation it is today.
“While they will be greatly missed by clients and colleagues, their retirement allows others the opportunity to take on new roles and responsibilities, driving progress and innovation across the firm.
“We believe that succession planning is a key strength of Baillie Gifford’s partnership model.
“It allows us to invest in talent and take a truly long-term approach, ensuring our clients’ interests are always put first.”