Baillie Gifford
Japanese Equities

Eric is an ESG Analyst integrated with the Japan investment team and International All Cap strategy. Eric joined the firm in 2022 and first worked with the International Alpha Strategy and Islamic Equities Team after earning an MSc. in International Business and Emerging Markets from the University of Edinburgh. Eric has previous experience working with impact communication, stakeholder integration, and sustainable value chains through his work with a Ugandan coffee start-up. Eric grew up in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Uganda.

Donald heads the Japanese Equities Team. Donald is the co-manager for the Japan Growth strategy (and related Growth strategy segregated accounts) which he has run since its inception on 31 December 2009. He is also a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG). Donald has over 25 years’ investment experience dedicated almost entirely to Japanese equities: He spent 20 years working for Schroders as a Japanese specialist and latterly Head of the Pan Pacific equity team and manager of the Schroder Japan Growth Fund plc. Between 1991 and 1995, he headed Schroders’ research team in Tokyo. He graduated with MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies from the University of St Andrews in 1987 and is a CFA Charterholder. Donald joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and became a Partner in 2017.

Matthew is an Investment Manager in the Japanese Equities Team. He is Manager of the Japanese Fund (and related All Cap strategy segregated accounts), Manager of the Baillie Gifford Japan Trust, and Co-Manager of the Japanese Income Growth Fund. He is also a member of the Global Stewardship Portfolio Construction Group. Matthew graduated BA (Hons) in Natural Sciences (Psychology) from the University of Cambridge in 2000 and holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Bristol. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2003 and became a Partner in 2018.

Praveen is an Investment Manager in the Japanese Equities Team. He is the Manager of the Japanese Smaller Companies fund (and related Japan Small Cap strategy segregated accounts), Manager of the Shin Nippon Investment Trust, and Deputy Manager of the Baillie Gifford Japan Trust Plc. He is also a member of the International Smaller Companies Portfolio Construction Group (PCG). Praveen graduated BEng in Computer Science from Bangalore University in 2001, and an MBA from the University of Cambridge in 2008. He previously worked for FKI Logistex before joining Baillie Gifford in 2008. After completing the investment graduate trainee programme Praveen joined the Japanese Equities Team as an Investment Manager in 2011.

Karen is an Investment Manager in the Japanese Equities Team. Karen is a Co-Manager of the Japanese Income Growth Fund. Karen graduated BSc (Hons) in Economics with Japanese from University of Birmingham in 2011 and is a CFA Charterholder. Karen joined Baillie Gifford in 2012.

Iain is an Investment Manager in the Japanese Equities Team. He is Manager of the Developed Asia Strategy and is a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Iain graduated BA in Modern History from Oxford University in 2000, and worked for Goldman Sachs and travelled in Asia, before joining Baillie Gifford in 2004. Iain became a Partner of the Firm in May 2020.

Tolibjon is an Investment Manager in the Japanese Equities Team. He is co-Manager of the Japan Growth strategy (and related Growth strategy segregated accounts). He joined Baillie Gifford in 2011 and spent time working on our regional as well as large and small cap global equities teams. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, he worked in the corporate finance department of an FMCG company, before founding a price comparison website in Central Asia covering insurance, banking, and telecom sectors. Tolibjon graduated LLB in Law from Queen Mary University of London in 2008 and is a CFA Charterholder.

Mirbahram joined Baillie Gifford in 2018 and is an Investment Analyst in the Japan Team, having previously worked in the Global Income Growth and Global Alpha Team. He graduated BSc in International Relations from the Middle East Technical University (METU) in 2016 and an MPhil in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Oxford in 2018.

Paul is an Investment Manager in the Japanese Equities Team, and co-manager of the Japanese Smaller Companies Fund. Paul joined Baillie Gifford in 2018 after he graduated PhD in South Asian Studies from Harvard University in 2017. Prior to this he gained an AM in South Asian Studies from Harvard University in 2015 and an MA in Indian Studies from the University of Tübingen in 2011. Reflecting his long-standing fascination with Japan and his experience of living there, Paul is particularly interested in identifying those companies that will shape Japan’s economic future. Furthermore, he is intrigued by questions of impact and ESG and keen to explore them in a Japanese context.

Minahil is an Investment Analyst in the Japanese Equities Team. Before joining the Japan team, Minahil worked in the Emerging Markets Team and European Team. She joined Baillie Gifford in 2019, after completing her MPhil in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge. Minahil graduated magna cum laude from Bryn Mawr College in 2017.

Nathan joined Baillie Gifford as an Investment Analyst for the Japan team in 2022. Prior to this, he spent seven years working in the electricity industry. In 2015 Nathan graduated from the University of Bath with a BSc in Economics and Politics.

Thomas is a Japanese Equity Specialist with responsibility for Japanese equity clients. He is also a member of the Japan Product Group. Thomas maintains a close relationship with the Japanese Investment Team, participating in stock discussions and portfolio meetings, as part of his Specialist Client Service role. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford in 2015, he worked as a Private Banker at Barclays Wealth & Investment Management. Thomas graduated BSc (Hons) in Business Management from Kings College London and is also a CFA Charterholder.

Chloé joined Baillie Gifford in 2013 and has spent the last 4 years with our LatEMEA team, responsible for existing client and new business relationships in the Nordics and Iberia. She began her career with Martin Currie Investment Management. Chloé graduated MA (Hons) in Economics and International Relations from the University of St Andrews in 2011.

Eric is an ESG Analyst integrated with the Japan investment team and International All Cap strategy. Eric joined the firm in 2022 and first worked with the International Alpha Strategy and Islamic Equities Team after earning an MSc. in International Business and Emerging Markets from the University of Edinburgh. Eric has previous experience working with impact communication, stakeholder integration, and sustainable value chains through his work with a Ugandan coffee start-up. Eric grew up in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Uganda.