Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) has appointed René Buehlmann as CEO of its Asia Pacific business, effective 1 March 2021. Buehlmann succeeds Hugh Young, who will take on a new role as Chairman Asia.
The appointments broaden the global talent on Standard Life Aberdeen’s senior leadership team and will support the company’s ambitious growth agenda.
Buehlmann joins ASI at an exciting time as the Asia Pacific business is competitively positioned to grow in some of the world’s fastest-growing savings and investments markets. Buehlmann will be responsible for driving the company’s global strategy in the region as it invests to further build its franchise, accelerating growth in Asia Pacific and bringing its full breadth of global investment capabilities closer to clients.
Based in Singapore, Buehlmann will join the Executive Leadership Team and report to Stephen Bird, CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen.
Buehlmann brings over three decades’ experience in global wealth and asset management, corporate banking and financial markets, including 29 years with UBS. He was most recently Head of Asset Management Asia Pacific and Global Head of Wholesale Client Coverage at UBS, where he led its regional operations across seven countries and managed its global wholesale business. He has a proven track record of developing investment business in APAC across segments and distribution channels.
In his role as Chairman Asia, Young will continue to champion ASI’s business in the region. He will provide strategic counsel to René and retain his director positions on fund and UK investment trust boards.
Stephen Bird, CEO, Standard Life Aberdeen, says: “The Asia Pacific region is core to Standard Life Aberdeen’s growth strategy. René’s wealth of experience in asset and wealth management, deep knowledge of key client segments and a proven record of developing a strategic business will support our growth ambition. His acute understanding of client needs and evolving investment trends will be vital, as we focus on the significant opportunities in the region and delivering a diverse array of future-fit investment solutions to our clients.”
“Hugh has been instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for our Asia Pacific business, building a deep bench of talent and delivering quality investment outcomes, putting the region on a sustainable growth path. I want to thank him for his enormous contribution to the business over the 35 years. We are delighted that he has agreed to stay on as Chairman Asia, his counsel and strategic advice will be invaluable as René transitions into the role.”
Young says: “I am pleased to hand over leadership of our APAC business to an established leader like René. With a focused strategy, an unparalleled range of asset class capabilities and strong investment performance, the business is extremely well positioned to embark on the next stage of growth.”
Buehlmann adds: “The growing demand from clients for innovative solutions to address their investment and retirement needs, combined with Aberdeen Standard Investments’ proven Asian and global investment expertise, presents tremendous opportunities for the business. I am excited to take on this role and look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success in Asia Pacific.”
