Aberdeen Asset Management confirmed that former Cantor Fitzgerald Europe joint chief executive Gordon Neilly has joined the fund management firm as global head of strategy.

Neilly reports into Aberdeen chief executive Martin Gilbert and works closely with Aberdeen’s senior management team which includes the heads of the group’s investment, distribution and operations capabilities.

“Gordon is responsible for developing and taking forward the group’s long-term strategy,” said Aberdeen.

Before Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, Neilly was chief executive officer at Intelli Partners, a corporate broking boutique.

After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1981 he qualified as a chartered accountant and joined the storied Edinburgh asset manager Ivory & Sime in 1984.

Gilbert said: “At a time when the asset management landscape is changing and clients’ needs are evolving we are delighted that Gordon has agreed to come on board to assist in the development of the group’s strategy and to oversee its implementation.

“Aberdeen is well placed to provide the product and solutions that institutional, wholesale and individual investors need to help them achieve their financial goals.

“Given his vast experience and expertise, Gordon is an excellent addition to the management team.”

Neilly said: “I’m delighted to be joining Aberdeen, a company I have worked with for over two decades.

“Martin and team have built a world class asset management business with genuine scale, a truly global reach and  a depth of investment capability which few can rival.

“I’m looking forward to helping Aberdeen confront the challenges facing the industry and to maintain its position as a leading asset manager in Europe and a significant player globally.”