UK fund managers name new CEOs
Both Schroders and abrdn have appointed new group chief executives to lead their respective firms.
In an announcement on 10 September, Schroders confirmed it has named Richard Oldfield as its new global chief executive, following the departure of Peter Harrison – effective from 8 November 2024.
Oldfield was named as a director and chief financial officer at Schroders in October 2023, having previously worked as a global markets leader at PwC where he worked for over 20 years including on its UK executive board.
It was announced in April that Harrison would be retiring, having been appointed as group chief executive in April 2016. He initially joined the fund manager in 2013 as its global head of equities and later worked as global head of investment.
At the time, Harrison said he would remain at the firm until a successor was found and carry out an orderly transition during 2025.
Commenting on Oldfield’s appointment, Schroders chair Dame Elizabeth Corley said: “Richard has proven himself to be a natural leader of client-focused, people-centric businesses. He has a global perspective, a strategic growth mindset, and a proven record of leadership.
“The board was unanimous that Richard was the standout candidate. It was clear that his strong business acumen will drive purposeful transformation at pace, and we are confident that he will develop our strategic priorities, enabling Schroders to continue to grow and serve clients.”
Simon Doyle will continue to be CEO of the firm’s Australian business, who was appointed in June 2023.
New CEO at abrdn
On the same day, abrdn also announced that it has appointed Jason Windsor – the firm’s former group chief financial officer and interim group CEO – as its new group chief executive.
Windsor took on the interim CEO position in May 2024, after then CEO Stephen Bird confirmed he was departing the asset manager as it was “moving to fresh leadership”.
“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,” remarked Sir Douglas Flint, chairman of abrdn.
“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.”
Ian Jenkins will continue in the role of abrdn’s interim group CFO, while a search process for a permanent replacement for the role has commenced.
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