Harvey McGrath

Sir Harvey McGrath
Born	(1952-02-23) February 23, 1952 Belfast, Northern Ireland
Occupation(s)	Businessman, philanthropist
Years active	1970s–present
Known for	Chairman of Man Group (2000–2007), Chairman of Prudential plc (2009–2012), co-founder of Revere Capital Advisors, Chair of Big Society Capital and Heart of the City

Sir Harvey Andrew McGrath (born 23 February 1952) is a distinguished British leader in business and philanthropy. He held the position of Chairman at the Man Group between 2000 and 2007, and later chaired Prudential plc from 2009 until 2012. McGrath is a co-founder of Revere Capital Advisors, a hedge fund operating from offices in both New York City and London. Presently, he leads Big Society Capital and Heart of the City (charity), organizations dedicated to promoting philanthropic efforts within Greater London and the City of London.

Early life

Originating from Belfast, Northern Ireland, McGrath received his education at Methodist College Belfast. In 1971, he enrolled at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he completed a Master of Arts degree in geography at the University of Cambridge.

Business career

McGrath commenced his professional journey as a commodity lender for Chase Manhattan Bank in London before relocating to New York City in 1979. The following year, he joined the Man Group, undertaking roles such as treasurer, finance director, and president of Man Inc., all based in New York. Upon returning to London, he served as chief executive from 1990 to 2000 and subsequently as chairman from 2000 to 2007.

In September 2008, McGrath was appointed to the board of Prudential plc, assuming the chairmanship from January 2009 until June 2012. During this period, he managed a £22.6 billion takeover attempt for AIA Group Limited, which ultimately failed due to resistance from the Financial Services Authority and shareholders.

Also in 2008, together with former Man Group associates Daniel Barnett and John Kinder, he established Revere Capital Advisors, an investment firm with bases in New York and London.

Philanthropy

McGrath holds the title of chairman emeritus at both the East London Business Alliance and London First. Between 2006 and 2011, he acted as vice-chairman of the Mayor of London's Skills and Employment Board. Appointed by Mayor Boris Johnson, he chaired the London Development Agency and co-led the Mayor of London's Enterprise Panel starting July 2011. His commitment to education includes serving as a governor at Tower Hamlets College and engaging in philanthropic research initiatives.

As a co-founder of New Philanthropy Capital, McGrath remains an active trustee. In 2014, he took over as chair of Big Society Capital, succeeding Sir Ronald Mourad Cohen. He also leads Heart of the City (charity) and has held leadership positions with The Prince's Teaching Institute, Birkbeck, University of London, Children and Families Across Borders, and icould.com. Additionally, he provides advisory support to Bridges Ventures and the Sutton Trust.

His philanthropic interests encompass backing integrated education in Northern Ireland, as well as contributions to the Royal Anniversary Trust, Richard House Society, and the Royal Society of Arts. He has been honored with honorary doctorates from both Queen's University Belfast (2008) and the University of Ulster (2009), alongside receiving the Beacon Fellowship from UK Community Foundations in 2013.

McGrath has generously donated to Methodist College Belfast, the University of Cambridge, and St Catharine's College—including a notable £4 million gift in 2008 aimed at improving access for underprivileged students. This donation led to the naming of the McGrath Centre at St Catharine's.

Together with his wife, he has supported numerous cultural establishments such as the Unicorn Theatre, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Almeida Theatre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the National Portrait Gallery, London. Their charitable endeavors extend to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, where the McGrath Suite bears their name.

In recognition of his contributions to economic development and public service, McGrath was knighted in the 2016 New Year Honours.

Personal life

He is married to Allison McGrath, and together they have two children. In 2014, his net worth was valued at approximately £100 million.