Saunders has been with the IMA since its creation in 2002, having overseen the merger of the Association of Unit Trusts and Investment Funds (AUTIF), where he was director general, with the Fund Managers’ Association.
He said today: “After 11 years in this role I feel it is time for me to move on. It has been a great privilege to work with a first-rate team at the IMA and I am very proud of what we have achieved together since the Association was set up in 2002.
"I know that my successor will be taking charge of an organisation in very good shape to meet the challenges of the coming years.”
The IMA said its process to find Saunders’ successor will commence shortly.
Douglas Ferrans, chairman of IMA said: “I would like to thank Dick for his leadership and commitment to the investment management industry during his tenure as chief executive.
"He has been a driving force in developing a strong voice for our industry in recent years, and has built a first class management team around him.”
