Edinburgh-based investment group Abrdn has announced big changes in its multi asset and alternatives leadership team.

Darren Wolf has been promoted to Global Head of Multi Asset & Alternative Investments.

“Darren has an outstanding performance track record and succeeds Russell Barlow, who is stepping down to take a role with a non-competing firm, after 26 years at Abrdn,” said the firm.

Abrdn manages and administers £507 billion worth of assets.

Abrdn also announced that Christian Howells has returned to Abrdn as Head of Investment Specialists for Multi Asset & Alternatives.

“Christian most recently worked as Head of Product Strategy for BlackRock Alternative Advisers in EMEA,” said Abrdn. “He returns to Abrdn having previously held senior investment and specialist roles with the firm for a large part of his 25-year career.”

Irene Goh continues as Deputy Head of Multi Asset Solutions, alongside her role as head of Hong Kong.
The group’s Quantitative Index Solutions team will report directly to the CIO.

Abrdn CIO Peter Branner said: “These promotions and appointments set us up for continued success and we are thrilled to reward home grown talent, while ensuring a smooth transition.

“Darren has led our Alternative Investment Strategies team for the past decade, overseeing the management of over $15 billion of assets across hedge funds, private credit and risk mitigation.

“We are also delighted to welcome back our much-respected former colleague Christian Howells, who knows many of our clients well.

“I would like to thank Russell for his commitment and dedication to the multi asset and alternatives business. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”

Wolf said: “It is an incredibly exciting time to be stepping into this role. The continued growth of client solutions across our Multi Asset and Alternatives business positions us well for future success.

“I am proud to lead an incredible team across the multi asset and alternatives spectrum and thank Russell for his insight and guidance over the last decade together and as we transition the team.”