John Hailer grew up in Boston as one of 10 children, an experience he believes stood him in good stead for his career.

Hailer is the chief executive of the Americas and Asia at $897 billion French investment giant Natixis Global Asset Management which manages a family of more than 20 managers such as $235 billion value manager Loomis Sayles and the $7.3 billion sustainable investment-focused Mirova.