Robert was the son of a grazier and learnt about the different seasons and the unpredictable nature of farming, which helped him form an appreciation of the long-term, looking through shorter-term cycles.

In 1970 he joined Rothschild Australia after graduating from the University of NSW with a commerce degree. After managing money for 14 years he teamed up with Chris Abbott and started Maple-Brown Abbott employing a value-based investment philosophy that is still used today in the MBA Australian equities business.

Robert’s investment record is second to none in Australia, achieved through many market and economic cycles, distinguishing himself and the firm by being able to stand aside from the momentum and bravado in markets at times while retaining his value-based perspective. He set a standard of what can be achieved and was a role model to others who followed.

Robert received an Order of Australia Medal in 2010 for his services to the community through leadership and executive roles with a range of charitable organisations in the areas of arts, health, welfare, medical research, education and through philanthropy. He passed away in 2012. The Maple-Brown Family Foundation continues to support many charities. His values and the way he carried himself is his legacy to the firm and the funds management industry.

Chris came to Australia in 1957 from the UK and has made an outstanding contribution to both the financial services and biotech industries. He was Executive Director of the International Pacific Group (Rothschilds), and he has also held non-executive directorships in QBE Insurance Group, Thomas Cook Australia and Enterprise Management of Australia.  He served as a Director of Maple-Brown Abbott from 1984 to 2006 and as Chairman from 1984 to 2000.

Mr Abbott now heads Asia Union Investments, a family company which has made significant investments in the Australian biotech industry. In 2005, he was awarded an Order of Australia for service to the financial industry particularly through venture capital projects and to the development of the biotechnology industry in Australia.

Chris’ strong belief is that a child is given life-long opportunities through exposure to education and intellectual stimulation at an early age. Through the Abbott Foundation, a private ancillary fund aimed at providing funding for organisations engaged in the development and education of young children, Chris has made a significant contribution to childhood education, funding Mission Australia to improve the facilities and family engagement at a number of pre-schools located in low socio-economic regions across Australia and supporting a wide range of other educational programs.