Aberdeen Asset Management has appointed Martin Jennings to the newly created role of Head of Aberdeen Digital, a distinct division within the firm.

Jennings will be responsible for the recently acquired Parmenion, which provides discretionary fund management and platform services into the UK IFA (independent financial adviser) market.

He will also oversee Aberdeen’s joint venture with actuarial consultants Hymans Robertson.

Jennings has held senior positions in financial services technology including chief executive of FNZ in UK, Australia & the UK.

Before joining FNZ, Jennings was managing director for AXA’s Elevate platform.

Jennings will report to Aberdeen’s chief executive Martin Gilbert and Iain Plunkett, chief operating 0fficer & chief technology officer, and will join Aberdeen’s group management board.

Gilbert said: “Martin’s recruitment emphasises further Aberdeen’s commitment to capitalise on the huge technological change the asset management industry is facing and our desire to place platform services at the heart of our business model.

“In creating a distinct division, we aim to create a culture that can foster innovation, agility and client services.”

Jennings said: “Financial services is changing very rapidly.

“Not least because digital technology is forcing companies to change what they do; and other companies are emerging, like Parmenion, whose success is down to embracing new technology.

“Aberdeen wants to be one of the leaders as the world of asset management is challenged, seeing disruption as more of an opportunity rather than a threat.

“The changing landscape and Aberdeen’s ambition make this role unique. That’s really exciting and I’m delighted to be joining Martin, Iain and the rest of the Group Management Board.”