Ben Barker steps into the role of Chief Investment Officer, after a decade shaping strategy and performance at BGF and most recently as Head of Portfolio.
BGF has announced the appointment of Ben Barker as Chief Investment Officer (CIO), alongside a number of senior team promotions. Ben, who is currently Head of Portfolio at BGF, will step into the role with immediate effect and will join the BGF Board.
Ben joined the business in 2016 and has overseen portfolio, exit and value creation activity since 2023. In his new role, Ben will have responsibility for overseeing investment activity and portfolio management across all areas of the business and reports to Andy Gregory, CEO.
“I’m delighted to be stepping into the role of CIO and to be joining the Board. BGF has a distinctive, flexible approach to investing, and I look forward to working closely with our teams to continue supporting entrepreneurs and building value across our portfolio. As CIO, my focus will be on ensuring we continue to invest in the UK’s most ambitious growth companies, while strengthening the support we provide to management teams at every stage of their growth journey.”
Ben Barker
Chief Investment Officer at BGF
Ben has more than 20 years’ experience in equity funding. Prior to joining BGF, he was a Director at Caird Capital and has also held roles at Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and HSBC.
Ben has played a central role in shaping BGF’s portfolio strategy and performance, working closely with investment teams across the UK and Ireland. His appointment reflects BGF’s continued focus on disciplined investment, value creation and portfolio support to deliver strong returns.
In addition to Ben’s appointment, BGF has announced a number of senior investment team changes. Patrick Graham will extend his Regional Investment Partner responsibilities to the South West region, in addition to Scotland and Ireland. Alistair Brew will move into a Regional Investment Partner role covering London & South East. Jill Williams (North & Midlands), Matt Simcox (London & South East) and Graham Clarke (Scotland, Ireland & South West) have been promoted to Regional Portfolio Partners, strengthening leadership across BGF’s portfolio management teams.
Matt Widdall has been promoted to Portfolio Partner, while Gemma Hamilton has been promoted to Origination Partner. Leo Casey will take on an expanded role across the island of Ireland, under a new Head of Ireland role, with Patrick Graham maintaining Regional Investment Partner for the whole of Ireland.
