As part of her determination to foster co-operation across the company, Butcher has encouraged the creation of networks, such as the women’s network she helped to found within the company, and networks focused on social mobility and mentoring.
She says: “When I came into this industry 30 years ago, there were none of those things. It’s great those things exist now, as they help to encourage meritocracy.
"I am still very involved in the women’s network here. I have had some great bosses, but I think the greatest challenge often for a woman is, 'Do I think I’m up to it?' And that’s why mentoring is very useful.
"Make no mistake, asset management is a tough industry; for a fund manager, your performance is there on display every day. But actually, as a woman, that was one of the appeals of fund management. Having a set of numbers against my name to easily demonstrate what I can do.”
Invesco is one of the behemoths of the fund management, but had fallen somewhat from the public’s consciousness.
If Butcher and her colleagues can restore it to its former prominence, then Invesco will play a substantial role in advisers lives in the years to come.
David Thorpe is investment editor at FTAdviser
