Aberdeen rejigs leadership ahead of chair Douglas Fint’s departure

Aberdeen Group has outlined a series of temporary leadership changes as it prepares for the departure of its current Chair, Douglas Flint.

Douglas previously notified the company that he would not seek re-election at the 2026 AGM and will step down following the Board meeting scheduled for 28 April this year.

Flint said: ”It has been a huge privilege to serve as chair of Aberdeen. In what has been quite a journey, I am really proud of what the Board and the executive team with the support of our colleagues have achieved together, including simplifying the Group and sharpening our strategic priorities.

“I would like to thank my Aberdeen colleagues for their commitment and support, and I wish Jonathan, Jason and everyone at Aberdeen continued success.”

The process of appointing a new permanent chair is underway.

Until a successor is named, Jonathan Asquith, the company’s senior independent director, will take on the role of interim chair as well as also chair the nomination and governance committee.

The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

During this interim phase, Hannah Grove, non-executive director, is set to become chair of the remuneration committee.

John Devine, also a non-executive director, will assume the position of senior independent director and rejoin the nomination and governance committee.

Asquith will step down from the audit and risk committee while carrying out his interim duties.

Asquith said: ”On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sir Douglas for his exceptional contribution to the Company since joining the Board in 2018. His chairmanship has played a pivotal role in repositioning Aberdeen for success as a leading UK wealth and investments group. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board, I wish him all the very best for the future.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Jason and his team to ensure the Company doesn’t miss a beat in the execution of its growth strategy.” 

The company said that Asquith will receive an annual fee of £475,000 ($633,930) on a prorated basis in line with the directors’ remuneration policy approved at the 2023 AGM.

Regulatory notifications regarding these appointments have been filed with the Financial Conduct Authority.