Scotland-headquartered investment and wealth manger abrdn has announced that Stephen Bird will step down as group chief executive after four years in the role.

Jason Windsor, who is currently group chief financial officer, has been appointed as interim group chief executive while the company conducts a formal search process for a permanent chief executive.

In the temporary role, Windsor will focus on the execution of the group's strategy and transformation plans. Bird will work alongside Windsor until 30 June to ensure a smooth handover.

abrdn said that it is searching for fresh leadership after completing the first stage of its transformation into a digitally-focused specialist asset and wealth management company. It went on to say that due to the “repositioning” of the company, Bird and the board had agreed that it was the right time to hand over leadership to drive the business forward.

Bird joined abrdn as chief executive in September 2024. Prior to this, he worked at Citi bank for 21 years in a number of roles including chief executive.

Windsor has worked at abrdn since October 2023. He has also worked as chief financial officer at Persimmon Homes and held a variety of roles at Aviva.

"On behalf of the board, I want to thank Stephen for everything he has achieved at abrdn over the last four years,” said Sir Douglas Flint, chairman of abrdn. “He joined us as the pandemic took hold and, despite the restrictions this imposed, spearheaded a fundamental reshaping of the company, leading from the front to create a company that can be competitive in a fast-evolving sector.”

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