abrdn Appoints New Group CEO, As Company Expands Into Living Sectors

abrdn plc announced the start of the process of moving to fresh leadership on 24 May 2024, following the strategic repositioning of the company to a specialist asset manager and digitally focused wealth manager.

A formal succession process was initiated at that time, supported by an external search firm, which resulted in the Board considering a number of candidates for the role, both internal and external, in line with the Group’s long term succession planning.

Jason Windsor, previously Group Chief Financial Officer and currently Interim Group Chief Executive Officer, has today (10 September 2024) been appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of abrdn, subject to regulatory approval.

Jason joined abrdn as Group Chief Financial Officer in October 2023 from Persimmon plc, where he served as Chief Financial Officer.  He was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer of abrdn in May 2024.

“I am delighted that Jason emerged from what was a very thorough process as the unanimous choice of the Board to lead abrdn in its next phase. He 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.” – Sir Douglas Flint, Chairman, abrdn

With over a decade of experience at Aviva Group, latterly as Group Chief Financial Officer, Jason brings demonstrated public company expertise and significant knowledge of the financial services industry to abrdn. He is a highly experienced executive.

Prior to Aviva Group, Jason served as Chief Financial Officer of Aviva’s UK Insurance businesses, Chief Capital & Investments Officer and a Director on the Board of Aviva Investors.

Jason joined Aviva in 2010 as Group Strategy and M&A Director, following a 15-year career at Morgan Stanley in London and Singapore, where he was most latterly Managing Director within its Investment Banking Division advising financial sector clients.

“I am honoured to have been chosen to lead abrdn. 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.

“My job now is to work with the talented team at abrdn to realise this opportunity and to build a more efficient, growing business with a culture that sustains long-term success.” – Jason Windsor, Group CEO, abrdn

A search process for a permanent appointment into the role of Group Chief Financial Officer will now start, with Ian Jenkins continuing in the role of Interim Group Chief Financial Officer.

This news follows abrdn’s recent announcement of the acquisition of 50 Build to Rent apartments at Springfield Place, as the company expands its investment into the living sectors.

In Q4 2023, abrdn also appointed John Lewis Partnership’s to manage its 325-home Clarendon Quarter Build to Rent scheme in Leeds, alongside two additional Build to Rent schemes.

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