Birch departs BlackRock

Graham Birch will not be returning to manage BlackRock Gold and General.

Jackie Beard, FCSI 15 January, 2010 | 1:30PM
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BlackRock has announced that Graham Birch, due back from a 12-month sabbatical in March 2010, has decided not to return to the group. While this is undoubtedly a blow to the team, we think it’s a close-knit and stable unit who have worked well together for some years. Evy Hambro and Robin Batchelor will become permanent as co-Heads of the Natural Resources Equity team, having taken these roles in a temporary capacity on Birch’s departure in March 2009. There will be no additional changes to management on the funds run by the team.

When we met with Hambro and Batchelor in 2009, it was after the start of Birch’s sabbatical. As we stated in our qualitative rating reports, it was clear the team was already prepared for whatever decision Birch made. The announcement doesn’t change our

opinion on the funds we have rated and we maintain the Elite ratings on BlackRock Gold & General, BGF World Gold and BGF World Mining and the Superior ratings on BGF World Energy and BGF New Energy.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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About Author

Jackie Beard, FCSI

Jackie Beard, FCSI  is Director of Manager Research Services, Morningstar EMEA

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