Standard Life's head of equities David Cumming to depart

Standard Life head of equities David Cumming is to depart the firm to pursue other interests.

News of Cumming's departure comes a matter of days after it and Aberdeen Asset Management unveiled a £11bn tie-up.

The announcement of Cumming's departure was apparently made via a staff intranet, according to various media reports.

His role -- on an acting basis -- would be taken on by Standard Life's head of European equities, Stan Pearson.

Director of equity research Andrew Millington would become acting head of UK equities.