LONDON: Polar Capital Holdings plc announced Monday that Chief Executive Officer Gavin Rochussen will retire later this year, ending an eight-year tenure during which the firm’s assets under management more than doubled.
Rochussen will officially step down from his CEO role and board position following the company’s Annual General Meeting on Sept. 25, 2025. He will remain employed during his notice period to support a smooth leadership transition.
The board has appointed Iain Evans, Polar Capital’s Global Head of Distribution, as CEO Designate following an extensive executive search. Subject to regulatory approval, Evans is expected to take the reins and join the board in September.
“It has been a privilege to lead Polar Capital through this eight-year period and work with such exceptional colleagues,” Rochussen said in a statement. “Iain has been instrumental in expanding our distribution reach over the past two decades, and I am confident he will take the firm forward.”
Under Rochussen’s leadership since 2017, Polar Capital’s assets under management increased 130% to £21.4 billion, while adjusted diluted total earnings per share rose 162% to 53.5 pence.
Chairman David Lamb praised Rochussen’s contributions and welcomed Evans to his new role.
“Iain has played a key part in building out our client base and strengthening our presence beyond the UK,” Lamb said. “We are confident in his ability to lead the next chapter of growth.”
Evans, who joined the firm more than 20 years ago, said he is honored by the appointment and plans to build on the firm’s specialist active management platform.
“We have a strong foundation, a distinctive culture, and a product range that sets us apart,” he said. “My focus will be on driving growth while preserving what makes Polar Capital unique.”