In October 2017, Baillie Gifford announced that Sarah Whitley, Head of the Japanese Equities team and co-manager of the Baillie Gifford Japanese fund, would be retiring on 30th April 2018. 

Therefore, Baillie Gifford Japanese is now managed by Matthew Brett.  Mr Brett has worked alongside Sarah Whitley as co-manager of the fund since 2008.  He is a member of the group’s well-established and well-resourced Japanese Equities team, which includes investment managers, Iain Campbell and Praveen Kumar and is headed by experienced Japanese investor, Donald Farquharson.  Mr Farquharson has over 25 years of investment experience, dedicated almost entirely to Japanese equities.

The team operates a clear and strongly collegiate process. There are no changes to the investment approach and the fund will continue to provide investors exposure to a growth-orientated portfolio of Japanese companies.

We have been meeting with Mr Brett for several years as part of our coverage of the Baillie Gifford Japanese fund and  as such, we are comfortable retaining the fund on our Recommended list.