Abrdn CEO Stephen Bird Steps Down After 4-Year Tenure

UK asset management firm Abrdn has announced the resignation of its group CEO, Stephen Bird, after four years in the role.

The company’s latest statement indicates that Bird’s departure follows a significant strategic repositioning of the firm. “The board and group CEO, Stephen Bird, have together agreed that it is the right time for Stephen to hand over the reins to the team he has assembled over the last four years,” the statement reads.

Jason Windsor, who joined Abrdn as group CFO in October last year, will serve as interim group CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Bird will work alongside Windsor until June 30 to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will be on garden leave starting July 1. His employment is set to officially end on December 31.

Bird, who took the CEO position in 2020, described his tenure as “an intensely challenging time in our industry.” During his leadership, Abrdn implemented a transformation program aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs to improve the profitability of its core investments business.

One of Bird’s notable achievements was leading Abrdn’s £1.49 billion acquisition of the subscription-based investment platform Interactive Investor in December 2021.

Reflecting on his time at Abrdn, Bird said, “I leave the company well positioned, having embedded greater diversification of revenues, retained a strong capital position and, most importantly, developed a refreshed leadership team ready to realise Abrdn’s full potential.”

The transition marks a new chapter for Abrdn as it continues to navigate the evolving asset management landscape.