Robert Havard

I lived in The Grove, Aberdare, attended the National School in Cardiff Street and transferred to ABGS in 1958. After school, I embarked on further study and ended up with a B.Sc. (Econ), an M.Sc and an MBA.

On leaving the Graduate Business School, City University London, I spent the following three years as Economist with the General Council of British Shipping, largely responsible for world trade forecasts and preparing the economic case for investment grants to the industry.

Using this shipping background, in 1973 I became investment analyst, shipping sector, for Hoare Govett (now ABN Amro) which started a 30 plus year career in stockbroking. In the following years I concentrated on mergers and acquisitions and corporate advice. I was appointed Director in 1982 widening the scope to focus on privatisation. In 1987 I moved to James Capel after its takeover by Hong Kong Bank (HSBC).

In 1989 I transferred to HSBC Australia as director responsible for research and strategy for a period of three years. (I had married an Australian in 1974.)

In 1992, on completion of the HSBC contract I moved to Macquarie Bank in Sydney as Associate Director, after it became independent of its original owners Hill Samuel, Australia. I spent the first few years in institutional stockbroking and now concentrate on advising the bank’s corporate connections. I should really list this amongst my hobbies although they include flying, motor racing and music, not necessarily in that order.

I have three grown up daughters Polly, Alys and Jessica all of whom live in Sydney, which is now clearly home, although I still support Wales against all comers!