US-born Leighton T. Bascom Chartered FCSI will take over the voluntary position from outgoing branch President Katie Presland, Chartered FCSI.
Mr Bascom is investment manager and branch principal, managing individual and institutional investment mandates and is responsible for the overall running of the Tunbridge Wells, Kent branch of Raymond James.
Prior to joining Raymond James in 2003, he was senior vice president of investments, from 1993, at Prudential-Bache Securities (part of Prudential Securities (US) which later became Wachovia) in London where he managed or advised on segregated investment portfolios.
Prior to this, he spent five years at PaineWebber, Boston (now UBS). Leighton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and an MBA both attained at Brigham Young University (Utah, US).
The CISI says that, with his training and background in the US, Mr Bascom “brings a unique perspective to global investing in London that many UK and European investment managers may not share.”
In addition, with clients throughout the world, including UK, US, Europe and Africa, he “has first-hand understanding of the risks posed to clients by country-specific concentrated portfolios.”
Mr Bascom has presented numerous investment seminars with particular emphasis on global securities investment.
On his appointment, he said: “I believe my family and my faith are the foundations for success and happiness.
“I look forward to building on the excellent legacy put in place by my predecessor Katie Presland, Chartered FCSI, with the aim of growing the membership and developing an exciting annual continuing professional development programme.”
Between his dual roles of his investment management career and long-time volunteer services to his local church Mr Bascom enjoys time with his wife Donna and their four children.
Jim Winter, CISI head of UK business development, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leighton as our new South East branch President and we would like to thank Katie Presland for her leadership and support with building the branch.
“With over 1,000 members our CISI South East branch covers areas including Kent, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Maidstone and is an integral and lively part of the business and finance community of the region.
“We look forward to supporting Leighton in his new role.”