ABERDEEN STANDARD INVESTMENTS APPOINTS RENE BUEHLMANN AS CEO OF ASIA PACIFIC

Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) has appointed René Buehlmann as CEO of its Asia Pacific business, effective 1 March 2021. René 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. 

René 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. René 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, René will join the Executive Leadership Team and report to Stephen Bird, CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen.

René 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, Hugh 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, commented:
“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.”

Hugh Young said:
“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.”

René Buehlmann added: 
“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.”  


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Media enquiries:
Alvena So, Head of Media Relations – Asia Pacific  
+852 2103 4793
alvena.so@aberdeenstandard.com


Notes to editors

• Aberdeen Standard Investments is a global asset manager dedicated to creating long-term value for our clients. With over 1,000 investment professionals, we manage £455.6 billion*/$562.9 billion* of assets worldwide. We have clients in c.80 countries supported by over 40 offices globally. This ensures we are close to our clients and the markets in which we invest.  (*as of 30 June 2020)
• We are high-conviction, long-term investors who believe teamwork and collaboration are the key to delivering repeatable, superior investment performance.
• Standard Life Aberdeen plc is headquartered in Scotland. It has over 1 million shareholders and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
• You can access the Aberdeen Standard Investments media centre here: https://www.aberdeenstandard.com/news-and-media

Important Information 
This is for information purposes.  Aberdeen Standard Investments reserves the right to make changes and corrections to the information, expressed herein at any time, without notice. 

This communication is available for distribution by the following entities:
Hong Kong by Aberdeen Standard Investments (Hong Kong) Limited. This document has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission.
Singapore by Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Limited, Registration Number 199105448E. 
Australia by Aberdeen Standard Investments Australia Limited ABN 59 002 123 364 AFSL No. 240263.
Japan by Aberdeen Standard Investments (Japan) Limited.