The chief executive officer of Abrdn has joined the board of the Investment Association.
Stephen Bird will replace Hanneke Smits, chief executive officer of BNY Mellon Investment Management, with immediate effect.
Keith Skeoch, chairperson of the IA's board, said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Stephen to the IA’s board of directors.
"Stephen’s focus on customers, his experience in technological transformation, and his global outlook will be a great complement to our board’s strengths, particularly as our industry navigates complex domestic and international challenges."
Bird added: “Investment management plays a vital role supporting millions of people to save for a more financially secure future.
"Technology, demographics and economic shifts are combining to create significant challenges, and opportunities, for the industry, and the IA has a critical role to play."
Bird was appointed chief executive of Abrdn in July 2020, joining from Citigroup where he was chief executive of global consumer banking.
sally.hickey@ft.com
