Richard Royds, 30-year veteran of the UK and European asset management industry, has joined Montfort Communications, the corporate reputation specialist, as a senior adviser.
Royds had a distinguished career in asset management marketing, communications and strategic planning, latterly with BlackRock* where he was for nearly 25 years with roles that included Head of UK Retail Funds (for over 15 years), Head of UK Marketing and for his last 7 years Head of EMEA Strategic Clients where he managed complex cross -border and cross-business relationships with some of BlackRock’s biggest Banking, Wealth Management and Insurance Clients. Richard was also on the Opco of the BlackRock EMEA Funds business and on the EXCO of iShares EMEA.
‘Richard is a high energy, high impact and highly strategic individual who has impeccable relationships in the highest echelons of this business’, said Montfort Founding Partner, Nick Miles. ‘His experience gained at the world’s most successful asset manager is one of a kind. We have built a very successful team that will leverage his experience to provide clients with more game-changing advice and execution.’
Gay Collins, Montfort Founding Partner and head of the firm’s financial services practice, said:‘Richard is a first-class operator and will be a real asset. He is extremely well connected amongst many fund managers and their clients, and brings a deep knowledge of the key thematic, technological, and systemic developments across the spectrum of the investment industry. Richard’s decision to join the team can only accelerate our strong momentum in the Financials sector and beyond.’
Richard Royds said: ‘I have known the Montfort principals for a very long time and have great respect for their business. I’m very excited about helping their clients going forward.’
*‘BlackRock’ included working at Mercury Asset Management (1992-1997), Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (1997-2006) and BlackRock (2006-17)