“An environment which allows for individuals to challenge, and be challenged, creates an open and honest culture that preserves our financial integrity”
Kevin Hayes
Finance Director
When a person considers joining a company to pursue a new career a determining factor is how that person sees themself, as an individual, fitting into the culture of the company. For me, contemplating a new challenge at Man Group, four clear cultural aspects became readily apparent: a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a performance-based culture, an inclusive culture that encouraged people to pursue innovation, and a very strong sense of integrity and professionalism. The culture of integrity and professionalism at Man Group goes further than either the individual or the collective sense portrayed in the company's literature.
I see day-to-day examples of how the strong culture of corporate responsibility toward our stakeholders has contributed to the successful development of Man Group and the two franchises, Man Investments and MF Global.
The separation of MF Global from the rest of the business is strategic to the Company and aims to create real value for shareholders. Preparing for the separation has involved our advisors and Man people from all areas of the business, both in the US and Europe. For both MF Global and Man Group the spirit of cooperation and purpose around this initiative has been tremendous. It illustrates strong management leadership, a focus on success, and the empowerment granted to individual teams at Man.
The separation will allow more focus on the asset management business and this is already creating further opportunities for people to be innovative about how we continue to grow and build the franchise. The ability of individuals to explore ideas and innovate within the context of a broader company is a competitive advantage for Man. People feel their horizons are not limited and that their individual initiative can make a difference.
Corporate responsibility embodies the concepts that preserve and build the reputation of the Company. It leads people at Man to preserve and protect the franchise value that has been created. Collective corporate responsibility holds people together in a joined sense of purpose and direction, reinforcing understanding of the behaviour that is acceptable, and that which is not. In the area of diversity the results of the Global Employee Survey point to the Company having created a safe and inclusive environment for all. This is critical as we respond to and interact with a customer base which is, likewise, diverse.
Financial integrity is essential in our business. It is the basis of the trust that stakeholders place in us. Hiring, training and motivating professional people in an environment which allows for individuals to challenge, and be challenged, creates an open and honest culture that preserves our financial integrity.
The corporate responsibility mandate is an essential part of our franchise, and management is committed to ensuring all aspects are embedded in what we do and how we act.