Terry Smith names potential Fundsmith successor

'Most' of the business will remain in current employees' hands

Mike Sheen
clock • 2 min read

Chief executive of Fundsmith Terry Smith has named head of research Julian Robins as his potential successor, with the fund management veteran vowing to keep "most" of the £26bn AUM business in the hands of current employees.

Smith, 67, who has been chief executive of Fundsmith since he founded it in 2010, said the firm has made a number of new hires in recent years, some of whom are also showing the potential to become his successor. Speaking at the Fundsmith Equity AGM yesterday (3 March), Smith told investors that Robins is "the first line of defence in terms of succession". "One day [investors will] get a letter from me by email, which… I've already written," he explained. "I won't be a 'fellow investor' at the time that it reaches you [as I will] have moved into a different status. "[The letter]...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

FCA urges private market firms to review conflict management amid rapid growth

FCA urges private market firms to review conflict management amid rapid growth

Recurring weaknesses found

Michael Nelson
clock 26 October 2026 • 2 min read
Darius McDermott: Asia's broadening investment story

Darius McDermott: Asia's broadening investment story

Fund managers have a dilemma

Darius McDermott
clock 21 October 2026 • 5 min read
China's historic move away from coal shows why investors need to keep digging

China's historic move away from coal shows why investors need to keep digging

'A key challenge for investors is to identify the pockets of genuine innovation'

Xin-Yao Ng
clock 19 October 2026 • 4 min read