Edinburgh-based investment giant Standard Life Aberdeen (SLA) said on Monday it has made three senior appointments in its global leadership team and that Julie Scott, CEO of its 1825 business, is leaving to take up a new role as chief customer officer at Royal London.
René Buehlmann has been appointed CEO Asia Pacific (APAC) at SLA.
Buehlmann joins SLA with over 30 years of global wealth and asset management experience.
“He will be responsible for the business in some of the world’s fastest-growing savings and investments markets,” said SLA.
“René has particularly strong experience in China and will look to leverage Aberdeen Standard Investments’ global capabilities to further develop the investments vector across APAC.”
Veteran SLA fund manager Hugh Young has been appointed Chairman Asia.
“He will continue to champion the business in Asia and be a source of trusted expert guidance for René in his new role,” said SLA.
“Hugh will remain as lead fund manager for Aberdeen Standard Asia Focus PLC and retain his director positions representing the firm on certain fund and UK investment trust boards.”
Chris Demetriou, currently SLA’s Head of Americas, “will lead the Investments vector across the UK, EMEA and Americas.”
“He will take up his new role on 1 April,” said SLA.
“This significantly broadened remit will drive greater commercial focus and help to deliver sustainable growth through strong collaboration on global investment capabilities.
“Gary Marshall, Head of UK & EMEA, will be retiring later in the year and his responsibilities will transition to Chris.”
SLA also said it is “looking to appoint a CEO of the Personal vector and the search is developing well.”
In the interim, Noel Butwell, CEO of the Adviser vector, will also act as CEO of the Personal vector.
David Mouille has joined the SLA Corporate Development team reporting to James Aird.
“David will be particularly focused on supporting growth in the Personal vector having considerable experience in corporate development and investment banking acquired at Citi Bank in Europe, Asia and the USA, Merrill Lynch Asia,” said SLA.
Standard Life Aberdeen has offices in over 50 locations worldwide, employs around 6,000 people and manages about £512 billion of assets worldwide.
Standard Life Aberdeen CEO Stephen Bird said: “I am excited to announce these changes – we’re developing the great pool of talent we already have as well as attracting new expertise into the business.
“The strengthened executive leadership team has the expertise, judgement and drive to lead the business as we deliver on the strategic opportunities across our global business …
“We have a fantastic platform for growth in this business.
“Asia Pacific is a key component of that growth, which is why I am delighted to add someone of René’s quality to the team – who can build upon Hugh’s legacy.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming René and David to the business and working closely with them to build on our existing capabilities and move forward with our strategic ambitions.
“And of course, I’m really delighted for Chris in his expanded role, he’s a fantastic home-grown leader …
“I want to thank Hugh for his tremendous efforts over many years building our business in Asia.
“Hugh’s ongoing counsel and strategic advice will be invaluable as we continue to build our presence in the region.
“My thanks and best wishes also go to Gary and Julie for their leadership and the invaluable support they have provided to me and the business – I have very much enjoyed working with them both.”