Martin Gilbert’s investment firm AssetCo plc has announced that Lucy Draper will join the business as Director – Distribution.

Draper was previously Director, Business Development – Middle East Africa at Standard Life Aberdeen (now called abrdn) based in Abu Dhabi engaging with a mix of financial institutions in the region.

“Prior to this, she was a Senior Business Development Manager working with UK wholesale clients, including Global Banks, Platforms, discretionary firms and insurers,” said AssetCo.

“Earlier in her career she worked in Asia leading the sales strategy with private banks in Hong Kong and developing relationships with institutions across the region.

“She joined Aberdeen Asset Management in 2007 as a graduate trainee.”

Draper will work alongside and report to Gary Collins, Head of Distribution at AssetCo.

AssetCo recently completed the acquisition of Saracen Fund Managers and the acquisition of a majority equity interest in Rize ETF.

AssetCo chairman Gilbert is the former co-CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen (SLA).

Collins said: “Lucy is a fantastic addition to the AssetCo team.

“Her experience and knowledge both from a client channel and regional perspective will be invaluable as we look to develop and grow the Rize and Saracen businesses.

“There is increasing appetite for thematic ETFs across Europe, in the middle east and Asia as these regions mirror the growth already being seen in the US.

“Saracen’s core strategies are delivering for investors in the UK, but we are focused on broadening the client base and over time the product offering.”

Draper said: “I’m joining AssetCo at such an exciting time for the business as the team implements their strategy of investing in and building asset and wealth management businesses.

“I’m looking forward to working with some familiar and new faces but also meeting with existing clients and prospective investors to see how our suite of investment capabilities can help them achieve their financial goals.”