Paul Ramsay Foundation
Ben Smith has a diverse background in impact investing and social finance. Currently, they are the Head of Impact Investing at the Paul Ramsay Foundation, where they are responsible for constructing and managing a $0.5bn+ impact investing portfolio. Prior to this role, they worked as an Impact Investor in Residence and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Social Impact, where they designed and taught impact finance modules.
Ben also has experience in academia, serving as a Lecturer in Social Finance at the University of Westminster. Before that, they were the Head of Social and Impact Investment at the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, overseeing a £55 million investment fund. Notably, they structured and launched the foundation's first investment fund.
Additionally, Ben has held positions at Cranfield University, UnLtd, NatWest Group, BKSK Inspire, Aegis, and Aston Students' Union, where they held various roles in strategy consulting, venture management, and education leadership. Overall, Ben's work experience highlights their expertise and leadership in the field of impact investing and social finance.
Ben Smith obtained a Master's Degree in Education (MEd) from Aston University. Ben also completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in International Business and Modern Languages from the same institution. Additionally, Ben has obtained several certifications, including a Certificate in ESG Investing from the CFA Institute in March 2021, an Investment Management Certificate (IMC) from CFA UK in March 2018, and they became a fellow of the Higher Education Academy in July 2015.