Perry Downward, Director of Operations at Ramsey Crookall, has won a prestigious title at the 2015 City of London Wealth Management Awards.
Perry, who has been with the long-established Isle of Man stockbroking and investment management firm for 35 years, was honoured for his ‘Exceptional Performance in the Back Office’ during the ceremony at The Guildhall, London, on 17th March.
The annual ceremony, this year hosted by newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, is a highlight of the financial industry calendar. Attended by more than 300 professionals, it aims to recognise and promote quality service from wealth managers and stockbrokers.
Winners are determined by online votes from investors, with voting taking place over two weeks in February and the poll reviewed by an independent panel of judges from firms Edwin Coe, Jones Day and RBS.
Ramsey Crookall CEO Joanna Crookall said the presentation of the award to Perry was well-deserved recognition.
She added: ‘This award recognises the unsung heroes, those people in operations who ensure the wheels of a business turn. While their importance is recognised and respected by colleagues, much of the vital work they do can go unnoticed by clients, so it is wonderful for it to be honoured with this award.
‘Perry has been with us for 35 years and is a stalwart of Ramsey Crookall, we have always known exactly how important he is to the smooth running of our business, but it is fantastic for him to be recognised with this prestigious award.’
Perry joined Ramsey Crookall in 1979 and was promoted to office manager in 1986. He joined the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment as an Associate Member in 1998 and was elected to membership in 2005, acquiring his Chartered status in 2010. In March 2004, after 25 years’ service, Perry was made an Associate of the firm and was appointed a Director in May 2007.
He said: ‘It was a surprise to have been nominated, but I was astounded to be announced as the winner. I see this award as a personal honour, but also as a deserved recognition of the hard work and dedicated service of everyone at Ramsey Crookall.’
Stephen Pinner, Managing Director of Goodacre UK, the company responsible for arranging City of London Wealth Management Awards, said the award won by Perry was introduced in 2006 following a conversation with Clay Harris, then a journalist at the Financial Times writing the Mudlark column. They felt people working in the back office were, and still are, the unsung heroes of the investment industry and should be recognised with an award, which the Mudlark column leant its name to.
Stephen added: ‘Winning a City of London Wealth Management Award is now firmly established as a significant proof of distinction for the best companies and individuals within the regulated investment space. The fact that winners are determined exclusively by online votes is a huge endorsement for all winners. The record number of votes cast demonstrates the increasing interest from private investors in giving accolades to the best in the business.’
Photo - (from left) Natasha Kaplinsky, Perry Downward and Clay Harris.
