The Independent Investment Management Initiative (IIMI), the boutique asset management think tank, has appointed James “Jock” Glover as its next Chief Executive Officer, starting on 1st July 2026. Incumbent CEO, Dani Hristova will remain a member of the IIMI’s Board.
Glover joins the IIMI with more than 30 years’ experience across asset management, wealth management, distribution and industry engagement. He has held senior leadership roles across the investment industry, working closely with boutique asset managers, investment trust boards and wider industry stakeholders.
He succeeds Hristova, who announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down following a three-year tenure in the role.
As CEO, Glover will work closely with Chairman Sebastian Stewart, the Board and member firms to support the IIMI’s core objectives of promoting the strengths of boutique asset managers, supporting best practice across the industry and helping to shape a regulatory environment that encourages competition, innovation and long-term investment thinking.
The appointment comes at a time when the asset management industry continues to face significant structural change, including increasing consolidation, evolving regulation, growing operational complexity and shifts in client expectations. Since its formation in 2010, the IIMI has championed the belief that independent investment firms have a critical role to play in providing differentiated active strategies, underpinned by focus and long-term alignment with clients.
Sebastian Stewart, Chairman of the IIMI, said: “We are thrilled that Jock will be joining the IIMI as CEO to help lead our next stage of growth. Jock brings a combination of deep industry experience, commercial understanding and longstanding relationships across the entire asset management ecosystem. The IIMI membership has never been larger and more active than it is today.
“The scale of our reach is perhaps the best reflection of the value we provide our membership in ensuring the voice of boutique asset managers is heard across the broader industry and regulatory landscape. Few people are better-placed and more passionate than Jock when it comes to the IIMI’s overarching goal of promoting and supporting investment specialists.”
Founded in 2010, the IIMI represents a broad range of independent asset managers and investment boutiques. Its membership collectively manages c. £500 billion on behalf of clients globally and includes many of the UK’s leading specialist investment firms. The organisation works with members, regulators, policymakers and industry participants to support competition, innovation and best practice across the asset management sector.
