Our Investment Management Department consists of our investment managers, analyst and execution teams, all of which have accumulated a vast experience of creating portfolio management solutions for our clients. We believe that diversity of ideas and experiences breeds the best investment solutions. With specialists dedicated to research, analysis and portfolio management, the team is fully resourced and capable of meeting the demands required by both the client and the ever changing financial landscape.
Lester Petch
Founder and CEO
Lester is Chief Executive Officer and founder of TAM, with over 40 years' investment management experience in major Investment Institutions as a Regional and Global Investment Manager. He originally trained as an Investment Analyst before becoming a Manager of direct investment portfolios in the Life and Pension Fund industry before founding TAM Asset Management. He has a Joint BSc Hons Degree in Politics and Law from Southampton University, is a Fellow of the Securities Institute and a graduate of the Investment Management Programme of the London Business School.
James Penny
Chief Investment Officer
James joined our investment management team in 2014 as an Investment Analyst and is now our Chief Investment Officer. Prior to joining TAM, James worked at UBS AG New York within the banks options trading division. UBS AG relocated him to their Investment Banking division headquartered in London where he specialised in both global equities and derivatives within the banks' growing Portfolio Trading Division. James brings significant financial market experience to our investment team from a global career within one of the largest financial institutions in the world. A disciplined and methodological approach to global investing is one of the core themes James has instilled at TAM.
Personal Awards
2023 Citywire Top 100
2022 Citywire Top 100
Daniel Babington
Portfolio Manager, Responsible Investing Lead
Dan Babington joined TAM’s investment team in 2020, specialising in responsible investing. He manages the TAM Sharia and TAM Sustainable World portfolios, with the latter reflecting his focus on the social aspects of investing. Dan has been instrumental in driving key improvements across these strategies, raising standards and ensuring the delivery of robust, impactful investment solutions. His sharp analytical skills, disciplined long-term approach, and ability to combine financial insight with a focus on sustainability make him a cornerstone of TAM’s investment expertise.
Recognised for his expertise, Dan holds CFA certifications in both Sustainable and Impact Investing, as well as the CFA Investment Management Certificate, and has been named 2025 Investment Week Sustainable Wealth Manager of the Year, 2025 Dow Jones Rising Star in European Finance, and featured on both the 2025 Investment Week Leaders List and 2024 Citywire Top 30 Under 30.
Outside of work, Dan has a passion for nutrition and exercise which he shares with the team, reflecting his curiosity, commitment to conscious living, and energetic, engaging personality.
Francis Banzon-Scally, CFA
Portfolio Manager
Francis joined our investment team in 2022 and currently serves as a Portfolio Manager, with responsibility for managing the firm’s range of Passive model portfolios. He began his career at Aberdeen Investments, where he worked as an Investment Risk Analyst on the firm’s flagship Global Absolute Return Strategy, and later joined the European Private Equity desk as a Portfolio Analyst. Francis is also a CFA charterholder and holds the Investment Management Certificate. He graduated with First Class Honours from Aston Business School and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Finance at London Business School.
Olivia Gennings
Dealing and Investment Operations Manager
Olivia joined TAM in March 2022 after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Geography, where she developed strong analytical, research, and data-driven problem-solving skills. These capabilities now underpin her leadership of TAM’s daily dealing operations, ensuring precision, efficiency, and robust operational oversight across all trade execution workflows.
As a key link between the Dealing Desk and the Investment Management team, Olivia supports strategic trade execution, contributes to portfolio research and analysis, and helps enhance cross-departmental collaboration. She plays an active role in strengthening operational controls, improving processes, and driving continuous improvements that support the firm’s investment objectives and long-term growth.
Known for her leadership, technical aptitude, and commitment to operational excellence, Olivia brings a calm, structured, and analytical approach to managing complex investment operations. She also serves as TAM’s Charity Champion, helping to advance the firm’s philanthropic initiatives and regularly participating in fundraising activities.
Outside of work, Olivia’s strong sporting background and enthusiasm for any activity keep her always ready to get involved—whether it’s team challenges, events, or something new.
James Baxter
Senior Fund Analyst
James joined TAM in 2022 as an anlyst and has since been promoted to senior analyst, supporting the investment team with fund research and analysis. James studied Accounting and Finance at BNU, graduating with a first-class honour in 2021. Following this, he completed an internship in Open-Banking as a Junior Analyst, where he undertook commercial tasks and enhanced his analytical skills. During the end of the internship, James began a master’s degree in Behavioural Finance at Henley Business School, which he completed in May 2022.
Olivia Suchley
Operations Assistant
Olivia Suchley joined TAM in October 2023 in her first professional role as an Operations Assistant. Having completed her A-Levels, she supports the Investment Management team, helping to ensure smooth and accurate investment processes, including platform updates, fund onboarding, and trade-related operational support. Known for her sharp mind, strong organisational skills, and proactive approach, Olivia quickly adapts to new responsibilities and contributes to the efficient running of TAM’s investment operations. With a collaborative spirit, analytical thinking, and a can-do attitude, she is always eager to learn and take on new challenges. Outside of work, Olivia’s curiosity and enthusiasm means she is always ready to get involved in team initiatives, social activities, or new experiences.
Harvey Russell
Junior Fund Analyst
Harvey joined TAM in 2025 as a Junior Fund Analyst following two summer internships with the firm. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in BSc Economics from the University of Manchester and completed the Investment Advice Diploma while at university. During his time at Manchester, he co-founded and served as Treasurer of the Management Consulting Society, helping to grow it into the university’s largest student-led consulting group. At TAM, Harvey focuses on new fund research and investment analysis, supporting the team’s efforts in fund selection and portfolio construction. He is currently studying towards the CFA qualification.
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