InvestmentsSep 15 2021

AssetCo appoints former SLA distribution chief as CEO

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AssetCo appoints former SLA distribution chief as CEO
Martin Gilbert, chairman of AssetCo

Martin Gilbert's AssetCo has brought another former Standard Life Aberdeen colleague on board, this time in the role of chief executive officer.

Campbell Fleming, global head of distribution and marketing at SLA until September 2020, will take up the post on October 2 2021.

The firm's current CEO, Peter McKellar, who is acting on a part time basis due to other commitments, will remain deputy chairman of the company under chairman Gilbert, and continue to be involved in the development and execution of its strategy.

Campbell is chair of The Big Exchange and a non-executive director of a number of other private companies.

Before joining Aberdeen Asset Management in August 2016, Campbell was chief executive – EMEA and global chief operating officer at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, having joined that firm as global head of distribution in November 2009.

Prior to that, Campbell was head of UK for JPMorgan Asset Management.

Gilbert said: “I am delighted that Campbell will be joining AssetCo as chief executive officer in early October.

"His experience and expertise within the asset and wealth management industry, together with his leadership qualities, means he is well placed to build on AssetCo’s strong foundations."

He added: "The sector is facing numerous challenges, but the importance of the industry in enabling clients to achieve their financial goals is even greater. Campbell shares our belief that AssetCo can play a key role by investing in, supporting and developing businesses to meet the needs of investors.”

In his short time as CEO McKellar oversaw the acquisition of Saracen Fund Managers, a deal for a majority equity interest in Rize ETF and the purchase of a 30 per cent equity stake in Parmenion.

Fleming said: “I am excited to be joining Martin, Peter and the AssetCo team, whose focus on clients, industry experience and commitment to innovation attracted me.

"There are a number of structural shifts taking place within the asset and wealth management industry, such as digitisation and changing investing habits. As an agile business, AssetCo can capitalise on these shifts to deliver value for investors and shareholders."

This is not the first time the firm brought former SLA colleagues on board. 

In August Lucy Draper joined the business as director of distribution.

Draper was previously director of business development in Middle East, Africa at SLA, now Abrdn. 

Gilbert, the founder of Aberdeen Asset Management, was named chairman in March.

carmen.reichman@ft.com