Edinburgh-based investment giant abrdn announced that former State Street executive Hannah Grove will be appointed a non-executive director of the asset management group on September 1, 2021.
Melanie Gee, recently appointment chair of Grosvenor Britain and Ireland, will stand down from the abrdn board when her second three-year term ends on October 31, 2021.
Following these changes, the abrdn board will comprise two executive directors, eight non-executive directors and the chairman.
The board will be made up of five women and six men.
Grove’s fee as a non-executive director of abrdn plc will be £73,500 per annum.
Her fee as the designated board employee engagement non-executive director (NED) will be £15,000 and her fee as a member of the nomination and governance committee will be £10,000.
“Hannah brings more than 20 years of experience operating in a global financial institution in leadership positions in marketing and communications,” said abrdn.
“Prior to her retirement in November 2020, she served as chief marketing officer (CMO) for State Street, responsible for teams delivering brand, reputation, business and product marketing, social media, digital marketing and client experience.
“Before becoming CMO, Hannah served as SVP and head of global corporate communications for State Street, with responsibility for media relations, employee and executive communications.
“As CMO, she was a member of State Street’s management committee, at the time its senior-most strategy and policymaking team.
“During her career at State Street, Hannah served on the company’s business conduct and risk and conduct standards committees, co-chaired its talent council charged with senior executive promotions and led a number of employee networks and diversity initiatives.
“She also served as a board member for State Street Hangzhou, its China legal entity.
“Once Melanie has stood down, Hannah will succeed her as the board employee engagement designated NED and she will be appointed a member of the nomination and governance committee.”
abrdn chairman Douglas Flint said: “On behalf of the board and the whole company, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Melanie for her outstanding service to the board, recognising she will be with us for another three months.
“During her tenure on the board, she has played a key part in the board’s discussions of transactions which delivered fundamental change to the structure and future direction of the group.
“In particular, Melanie was our first board employee engagement designated NED and her enthusiasm for and commitment to that role has made sure that our employee engagement processes and output deliver their objectives.
“We wish Melanie the very best when she moves forward to the next stage of her career.
“I am very pleased to welcome Hannah to our board.
“Her direct experience across brand, client experience, business and digital marketing and communications strategies will be of great value to our discussions.”