Q&A with J.P. Morgan's new CEO and Country Head of GIM Australia

With her career in the finance industry spanning four continents, J.P. Morgan's new CEO and country head of global investment management Australia, Rachel Farrell, says she is excited to relocate to Australia from Hong Kong to work in one of the most "sophisticated markets in the world." She tells Industry Moves her thoughts on ensuring diversity in the workplace, shares her ideas on the makings of a good leader and attributes her interest in an international career to time she spent on a boat.

RACHEL FARRELL

With her career in the finance industry spanning four continents, J.P. Morgan's new CEO and country head of global investment management Australia, Rachel Farrell, says she is excited to relocate to Australia from Hong Kong to work in one of the most "sophisticated markets in the world." She tells Industry Moves her thoughts on ensuring diversity in the workplace, shares her ideas on the makings of a good leader and attributes her interest in an international career to time she spent on a boat.

What are you most looking forward to about taking on the role of CEO with J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM)?

Australia is among the world's largest savings markets and represents a significant opportunity for JPMAM. It is also one of the most sophisticated markets in the world, so I am excited to lead a seasoned and talented team of professionals to deliver our highest quality investment solutions to this very sophisticated client base. While I have no doubt that the markets will continue to be challenging, I am convinced that the breadth and depth of JPMAM's organisation, with over 1000 investment professionals globally, means we are well placed to partner with and provide solutions to our clients in these times.

What are your goals with the firm for your first 12-months in the role?

My first priority is to listen and learn from all our stakeholders. Clients are our priority so I want to make sure I understand their challenges and identify where we can best work together to find the right solutions. I am also keen to listen to my team here on the ground in Australia to make sure we are leveraging all of their capabilities and providing the support they require for success. JPMAM operates in over 30 countries across the world and I will be working with my global colleagues to ensure we bring the best ideas and solutions to the Australian market which meet the needs of our clients.

Do you feel a CEO has responsibility to ensure that there is a policy for encouraging diversity in the workplace?

Absolutely. I have had the pleasure of working in 4 different countries in my career covering markets and clients from a wide range of geographies including the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Having worked with amazing colleagues from every corner of the world, I am a strong believer that diversity is critical to the success of our business. Diversity within our organisation means that we are open to sharing different ideas, discussing different opportunities and partnering with our clients.

In your opinion, what makes for a good leader?

Great leaders set high standards, are good listeners, treat everyone with respect, are willing to take risks, and have a clear and well articulated vision for the future. I am proud to work for an organisation such as JPMAM where there is such a pool of great leaders and enjoy watching, listening and learning from them.

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up right in the heart of New York City, in The Big Apple. I was exposed to all different kinds of people cultures, foods, noises, and experiences. It was always exciting. I enjoy walking - I used to (and still do!) love walking from one end of the city to the other taking in everything around me. I attended the United Nations International School and every nationality was represented - from my teachers through to my fellow students. I learned to listen, learn and adapt. I think the Australian market is a bit like NYC. "If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere!"

What was your very first job?

My very first job was working on a 150 year old Chinese Junk docked at the 23rd Street Marina in NYC. The boat used to belong to the Ripley's "Believe it or Not" museum and had been bought by a garment industry executive. I helped with boat maintenance and served chinese food to lots of interesting people at the many industry events held on the boat. I think that planted the seeds for an international career.

What's the best piece of advice that you have received?

That's a hard question. For me it is probably listening before speaking or acting. Believe in yourself and have the confidence and conviction to lead.

Do you have a favourite charity/cause that you support?

I am an advocate for charities and causes that support children across the world. Children are our best hope for the future and too many of them do not have the type of childhoods that we would want for all of our children. This is true in both developed and emerging markets. I am also a long time supporter of Plan International. Plan International works in more than 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty.