Ivan

Ivan is a Managing Director in the Integrated Strategies Group. Based in the London office, his team focuses on unconventional investments across public and private assets that fall outside the scope of other investment groups, such as partnering with family offices and working with listed companies to support them in large mergers and acquisitions.  

Outside of work, he enjoys travelling and voyaging all over the globe. His favourite destinations are Asia and North America, where he can explore the great outdoors through hiking and immersing himself in nature. He makes it a priority to discover as many new places as possible each year, always on the lookout for his next unforgettable escapade. 

Why did you decide to join GIC?

I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to the development of the nascent Integrated Strategies team in Europe. I came to appreciate GIC as a large, sophisticated long-term investor with a strong culture and stable teams. Moreover, having spent a decade in traditional mid-market private equity, I was keen to work in a global firm with a wider network and more flexible mandate. 

What does your typical workday look like?

I try to have an early start with some quiet time to think about the agenda of the day, for willpower permitting and exercise. Once I am at the office, I make sure to touch base with my team and discuss our current projects and priorities. A big chunk of my time is spent either on calls with potential partners or travelling to meet them in person to forge long-term partnerships. Getting to know colleagues from other teams and offices is also important, allowing me to leverage the broader GIC network. 

What do you like most about working here?

My favourite aspect of the role is the diverse range of investments and companies I get to learn about. GIC’s brand and long-established presence open the doors of opportunity, allowing us to access interesting and high-return opportunities. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of working on a project involving an investment in an international school chain. It was an exciting chance to team up with a passionate and accomplished founder in a field with plenty of potential for long-term growth and consolidation. What made this opportunity particularly intriguing was that we had been cultivating the relationship for almost five years. With only a handful of global private school chains out there, our team had to start from scratch with valuation and industry diligence. On top of that, the business operated in more than 20 countries across four continents, which added an extra layer of complexity to our assessment process. 

How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?

Being part of the Integrated Strategies Group has been instrumental in refining my investment skills. We have a flexible mandate, which means we get to evaluate a broad spectrum of opportunities, ranging from listed businesses to private companies and structured equity instruments. The variety of potential investments we evaluate provides a great platform to learn and hones our ability to calibrate risks and rewards. 

At GIC, there is no shortage of opportunities for learning and development. We have an extensive range of programmes, targeting both technical and soft skills. For me, the courses on interpersonal dynamics and team leadership have been particularly beneficial. 

What you should know before joining GIC

It is crucial to prioritise whether the company’s culture is a good fit for you. The people you meet at GIC will have the most significant impact on your experience, so get to know us as you go through the recruitment process.