Investment Committee of the City Bridge Foundation Board

Simon is managing partner and CEO of Findlay Park Partners, an investment firm focused on investing in sustainable American companies. He was previously chief investment officer at London-based multi-asset investment firm Newton Investment Management.

An elected member of the City of London Corporation, Simon is also a trustee of the Courtauld Gallery’s art collection, helping to deliver on the vision of its founder, the industrialist Samuel Courtauld, to make the collection accessible to the broadest possible audience.

Simon says: ​“In my role as a board member and as a member of the investment committee, I hope to be able to contribute to increasing the investment returns generated by City Bridge Foundation’s endowment.

“Higher investment returns will mean more funds to support more charities across Greater London, and that’s something which is hugely motivating for me.”

Alison Gowman is a consultant at DLA Piper – one of the City of London’s largest international law firms – having been the company’s first female partner and a senior practitioner in commercial real estate and property.

A former chair of the City Bridge Trust Committee – the forerunner to the present board – she is an elected Alderman of the City of London Corporation and a member of Chapter and Lay Canon at St Paul’s Cathedral, and has been a trustee of organisations including the London Museum, Trust for London and the London Road Safety Council.

Alison says:​“I got involved with City Bridge Foundation because I wanted to engage with a wider community of people across Greater London, to ensure there was a fuller understanding of the needs of Londoners and that funding was appropriately distributed.

“The work of the board is now a lot broader than when I started and I’m excited by the chance to reshape the charity to be relevant and practical to address the challenges we face today, particularly the threats posed to our assets and our partners as a result of climate change.”

Deborah’s profession is corporate communications, improving influence and impact for national bodies.

Her background is in sectors including legal services, health, regulation and government. She has leadership experience, having previously held the rank of Colonel in the Army Reserves, and serves on the City Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Committee.

Deborah was elected to the City of London Corporation in 2022 and chairs its Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee. She is a Past Master of the Company of Communicators.

Hannah is chief investment officer, UK direct real estate, for CBRE Investment Management, having worked for the company since 2006 in various roles focusing on the UK and Europe.

A mother-of-three, she is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in economics and politics from the University of Bristol and a Master of Art degree in real estate investment and finance from Reading University.

Hannah says: ​“Being on the City Bridge Foundation investment committee provides a really valuable opportunity to gain exposure to a different perspective and a diversity of thought, as well as giving me a chance to use my skills to benefit the charity.”

Michael serves as a non-executive director at a number of property investment companies, and is chair of IDS – a small housing association based in Hackney.

He has previously enjoyed a long career as a chartered surveyor, culminating in a position as chairman of property advisors CBRE.

Michael says: ​“As a born and bred Londoner who has spent much of my career in and around the Square Mile, I am always interested in investment decisions and strategy, but find the work of City Bridge Foundation particularly fascinating.

“The foundation has an incredible portfolio and the key now is to ensure that investments are aligned with the current needs and values of the charity.”

Sandeep is the Head of UK & Ireland Client Group at AXA Investment Managers, Alternatives, and has developed strong financial sector expertise over two decades at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs.

He has particular professional experience as an advisor to institutional clients, including endowed charitable foundations across the UK and Europe. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and De Montfort University.

Alongside his work with City Bridge Foundation, Sandeep is also an Investment Committee member of BBC Children in Need.

Sandeep says ​“My interest in serving City Bridge Foundation is driven by a passion for London and supporting its iconic bridges and wider charitable funding. The Foundation plays a crucial role in fostering a more connected and socially inclusive community in London as the capital’s largest independent charitable funder. By contributing to the effective governance and strategy of the investment portfolio, the goal is to enhance positive impact.”

Simon is an investment fund and AIM company director based in the City of London and has worked in the Square Mile for over twenty years.

A Cambridge University graduate, he became an elected member of the City of London Corporation in 2000 representing the Ward of Bishopsgate, and has served on a number of key local authority committees, primarily involved with policy, finance and investment.