Head of Government Relations, Europe - Vanguard Asset Management, Ltd

Richard Withers is Vanguard's European Head of Government Relations and Chair of its European Public Policy Group. In these roles, he is responsible for formulating the development and prioritization of Vanguard's positions on legislative and regulatory developments throughout Europe and engaging with European policymakers and regulators. Richard regularly represents Vanguard at industry events and conferences, often presenting on matters relevant to giving investors the best chance of investment success.

Richard joined Vanguard in December 2012, initially in a Legal role and subsequently led Vanguard's European Compliance team. Prior to joining Vanguard, Richard worked for two London based international law firms (Clifford Chance; and Simmons & Simmons). In these roles he focused on providing legal advice in respect of current and future UK and EU financial services legislation and regulation to buy-side and sell-side clients. Richard has also held roles at Gartmore Investment Management (now part of Henderson Global Investors), Goldman Sachs International and JP Morgan.

Richard is a qualified solicitor (England & Wales) and holds a first class honours degree in Scots Law and French Law from the University of Aberdeen.