Standard Life Aberdeen broadens global talent on senior leadership team

25 January 2021

René Buehlmann appointed CEO Asia Pacific 
Chris Demetriou appointed CEO UK, EMEA and Americas
David Mouille joins Corporate Development team


Standard Life Aberdeen has made three new appointments, building on existing expertise as well as bringing new talent into the business. The appointments support the company’s ambitious growth agenda and strengthen the alignment of the business around its growth vectors; Investments, Adviser and Personal (Savings & Wealth). 

Stephen Bird, CEO, Standard Life Aberdeen said: 
“I am excited to announce these changes - we’re developing the great pool of talent we already have as well as attracting new expertise into the business. The strengthened executive leadership team has the expertise, judgement and drive to lead the business as we deliver on the strategic opportunities across our global business.”

Asia Pacific

René Buehlmann has been appointed CEO Asia Pacific (APAC). René joins with over 30 years of global wealth and asset management experience. He will be responsible for the business in some of the world’s fastest-growing savings and investments markets. René has particularly strong experience in China and will look to leverage Aberdeen Standard Investments’ global capabilities to further develop the investments vector across APAC. 

Hugh Young has been appointed Chairman, Asia. He will continue to champion the business in Asia and be a source of trusted expert guidance for René in his new role. Hugh will remain as lead fund manager for Aberdeen Standard Asia Focus PLC and retain his director positions representing the firm on certain fund and UK investment trust boards. 

 

UK, EMEA, Americas

Chris Demetriou, formerly Head of Americas, will lead the Investments vector across the UK, EMEA and Americas. He will take up his new role on 1 April. This significantly broadened remit will drive greater commercial focus and help to deliver sustainable growth through strong collaboration on global investment capabilities. Gary Marshall, Head of UK & EMEA will be retiring later in the year and his responsibilities will transition to Chris.

 

UK Adviser & Personal

There is a significant opportunity in the UK retail market as more individuals take on responsibility for their future wealth. The UK Adviser and Personal vectors are key strategic priorities as the business looks to capitalise on this opportunity and make it easier for people to save. To support this ambition, SLA is looking to appoint a CEO of the Personal vector and the search is developing well. In the interim, Noel Butwell, CEO of the Adviser vector, will also act as CEO of the Personal vector.

David Mouille has joined the Corporate Development team reporting to James Aird. David will be particularly focused on supporting growth in the Personal vector having considerable experience in corporate development and investment banking acquired at Citibank in Europe, Asia and the USA, and Merrill Lynch Asia. 

Julie Scott, CEO of 1825 and interim lead for Personal, is leaving the business to take up a new role as Chief Customer Officer at Royal London.

Stephen Bird continued: 
“We have a fantastic platform for growth in this business. Asia Pacific is a key component of that growth, which is why I am delighted to add someone of René’s quality to the team - who can build upon Hugh’s legacy. I am really looking forward to welcoming René and David to the business and working closely with them to build on our existing capabilities and move forward with our strategic ambitions. And of course, I’m really delighted for Chris in his expanded role, he’s a fantastic home-grown leader.

I want to thank Hugh for his tremendous efforts over many years building our business in Asia. Hugh’s ongoing counsel and strategic advice will be invaluable as we continue to build our presence in the region. My thanks and best wishes also go to Gary and Julie for their leadership and the invaluable support they have provided to me and the business – I have very much enjoyed working with them both.”

Ends

 

Media enquiries 


For further information, photos, video content or interviews, contact:

Andrea Ward +44 (0) 7876 178696
Patricia Corrigan +44 (0) 7740 924558

Notes to editors


Concise CVs
René Buehlmann
1990-2019 Various roles at UBS Asset Management, latterly Head Asia Pacific Global Head Wholesale Client Coverage, UBS Group Managing Director

David Mouille
2003-2020 Managing Director, Head of Consumer Banking Citi Handlowy
1999-2002 Associate, Investment Banking, Merrill Lynch APAC
1993-1999 Business Development Associate, Lafarge


About Standard Life Aberdeen 

Standard Life Aberdeen plc is a leading global investment company. We have offices in over 50 locations worldwide and employ around 6,000 people. 

Our purpose is to invest for a better future. Our expertise and resource enables us to offer a wide range of investment solutions and services designed to meet our clients’ needs today, tomorrow and for the longer term. We manage and administer £511.8 billion of assets worldwide*.
 
Wherever we are in the world we strive to make a positive long-term impact. This means delivering world-class investment solutions. It also means operating ethically, encouraging good practices among companies we invest in, and providing support and expertise for the benefit of the communities in which we operate.

Standard Life Aberdeen plc is headquartered in Scotland. It has over 1 million shareholders and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Find out more about Standard Life Aberdeen.

* Figures as at 30 June 2020