Ben Kirby is a seasoned investment executive and portfolio manager with more than 15 years of experience managing global multi-asset portfolios and leading high-performing investment teams.
As Chief Investment Officer at The Millstone Evans Group, Ben is responsible for shaping the firm’s investment strategy, overseeing portfolio construction, and helping ensure that clients receive a personalized investment approach grounded in extensive research, transparency, and long-term thinking.
Sacha and team welcome Ben’s deep institutional knowledge, history of investment excellence, and his collaborative leadership style – all of which will boost the firm’s next phase of growth. Millstone Evans clients will benefit greatly from Ben’s powerful philosophy to investing — one that combines rigorous research with the skills to artfully navigate an ever-changing financial landscape. And Ben is excited by the opportunity for direct client contact and making a positive personal impact.
His background in computer science reinforces his methodical and analytical mindset, while his career-long experience in portfolio management keeps his focus firmly on real-world application. Ben brings not only deep institutional expertise, but also a clear, collaborative, and communicative style that helps clients understand and trust the investment process.
“Our job is to earn the trust of clients every day,” he says. “That means delivering results, communicating clearly, and always acting in their best interest.”
Prior to joining The Millstone Evans Group, Ben served as Co-Head of Investments at Thornburg Investment Management, where he was responsible for the firm’s investment process and led a 50+ person team across equity, fixed income, municipal, real estate, and risk management. During his tenure, Thornburg’s performance improved substantially across all asset classes, and the majority of the firm’s assets earned top-tier Morningstar ratings.
Ben has also served as portfolio manager for several award-winning investment strategies. These include the Thornburg Investment Income Builder, a 5-star Morningstar portfolio which delivered top decile returns over Ben’s tenure, and the 5-star Thornburg Summit Fund, global balanced strategy which delivered top 1% returns over Ben’s tenure.
Ben was a frequent media spokesperson for the firm, using his ability to simplify and share complex financial topics with clients and the public via various media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and Yahoo TV. He also played a key role in client communication, business strategy, and product development.
Ben earned his MBA from Duke University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Information Systems from Fort Lewis College. He is also a CFA charterholder.
He lives in Colorado with his wife and four children. Outside the office, he enjoys CrossFit, reading, and exploring the outdoors with his family.