Former Abrdn long-time executive Piers Currie, who went on to be a founder of specialist consultancy Warhorse Partners, has died.

At the then Aberdeen Standard Investments, Currie’s roles included Special Adviser To CEO’s Office, Group Head of Brand, Group Head of Marketing, and Head of Investment Trust Marketing.

An Abrdn spokesperson said: “We were very sad to hear of the passing of Piers Currie. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Warhorse Partners said: “Piers was our dear friend and colleague, and his death is a great sorrow for all of us at Warhorse Partners.

“His boundless enthusiasm and vigour, and the passion and energy that he brought to everything he was involved with, will be greatly missed.”

Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director at the Association of Investment Companies, said: “We are very sad to hear the news about Piers.

“He was a passionate advocate for the investment trust industry and such a wonderful character who was full of fun.

“He was very supportive of our promotional work at the AIC and was instrumental in improving the industry’s marketing.

“He spoke at our events, came up with creative ideas and always volunteered to help.

“Piers had an infectious zest for life, living life to the full.

“He will be very much missed by us all.”

Currie’s former colleague Andrew Kelly wrote in a social media posting: ” … I heard the very sad news that Piers Currie, one of the legends of the old Aberdeen business had passed away. While he had some underlying health issues, he was still a relatively young man and died too bloody soon.

“I started working closely with Piers in 2006 and consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had a three year apprenticeship working alongside him.

“He was an unconventional boss but so generous with the work he involved me with. Once there was trust, everything was on the table and he would give you the freedom to just get on with it. He was a creative behemoth with a tireless work ethic.

“I used to dread the Monday morning meetings when he would come in chasing late projects and dishing out another batch of great ideas to get cracking on with …

“Piers did so much for the asset management marketing community, both in London and New York. His network was vast and you always knew everyone had a Piers story of their own. He’ll leave a big hole. He was just the right amount of crazy for me and I’ll miss him very much.”