Abrdn appoints former CFO as new boss

Abrdn has appointed its former finance head Jason Windsor as its new official chief executive, after he emerged as the "unanimous choice" to lead the investment company following the exit of Stephen Bird in May.

Windsor has been serving as interim CEO over the past five months since the firm announced a strategic repositioning to a specialist asset manager and digitally focused wealth manager, which resulted in the abrupt departure of Bird after four years.

Chairman Douglas Flint said Abrdn undertook a "very thorough" succession process, led by an external search firm, through which it considered a number of both internal and external candidates.

"[Windsor] 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," Flint said.

A search process is now starting to find a permanent replacement for the chief financial officer position.

"I am honoured to have been chosen to lead Abrdn," Windsor said. "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."