Abrdn said on Tuesday that Jason Windsor, previously its group chief financial officer and currently interim group chief executive officer, has been appointed as group chief executive officer of Abrdn plc, subject to regulatory approval.

The Edinburgh-based investment firm manages and administers £505.9 billion of assets.

“On 24 May 2024, Abrdn announced the commencement of the process of moving to fresh leadership, following the strategic repositioning of the company to a specialist asset manager, and a digitally-focused wealth manager,” said Abrdn.

“A formal succession process was initiated at that time, supported by an external search firm, which resulted in the board considering a number of candidates for the role, both internal and external, in line with the group’s long term succession planning.”

Abrdn chairman Douglas Flint said: “I am delighted that Jason emerged from what was a very thorough process as the unanimous choice of the board to lead abrdn in its next phase.

“He has made a huge impression both internally and externally since he joined Abrdn, particularly as someone whose actions evidence he cares deeply about our clients and customers and our people. I very much look forward to working with him as our new CEO.”

Abrdn said Windsor’s remuneration package “has been structured in accordance with the Remuneration Policy approved by Abrdn shareholders at the 2023 AGM.”

Windsor’s salary with effect from September 10, 2024, has been set at £800,000 per annum.

“Full disclosure of Jason’s remuneration arrangements will be provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in abrdn’s Annual Report and Accounts 2024,” said the company.

Windsor said: “I am honoured to have been chosen to lead Abrdn. I see significant headroom in each of our three core businesses, with the potential to generate a step-change in performance for our clients and customers, and for our shareholders.

“My job now is to work with the talented team at abrdn to realise this opportunity and to build a more efficient, growing business with a culture that sustains long-term success.”

Abrdn said: “Jason is a highly experienced executive and brings demonstrated public company expertise and significant knowledge of the financial services industry from over a decade within the Aviva Group, latterly as Group Chief Financial Officer.

“Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Aviva’s UK Insurance businesses, Chief Capital & Investments Officer and a Director on the Board of Aviva Investors.

“Jason joined Aviva in 2010 as Group Strategy and M&A Director, following a 15-year career at Morgan Stanley in London and Singapore, where he was most latterly Managing Director within its Investment Banking Division advising financial sector clients.

“Jason holds a B.A. (Hons) from Oxford University, with a Part II thesis in Atmospheric Chemistry.

“Jason is an executive director of Abrdn and does not currently hold any non-executive director appointments. He is a Governor of Felsted School in Essex.

“Jason joined Abrdn as Group Chief Financial Officer in October 2023 from Persimmon plc, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. Jason was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Abrdn in May 2024.”

Abrdn said Ian Jenkins will continue in the role of Abrdn’s interim group chief financial officer.

A search process for a permanent appointment into the group chief financial officer role will now be commenced.