Peter Branner has been named the new chief investment officer of Abrdn, the $476 billion Edinburgh-based asset manager that is in the process of reshaping its business.
Branner will join Abrdn May 1 and report to co-chief executive officers Chris Demetriou and Rene Buehlmann. He is currently the CIO of APG Asset Management, one of the largest global pension investors in Europe with $566 billion in assets, where he oversaw investments in public and private markets.
Before APG, Branner was the CEO and CIO of SEB Investment Management in Stockholm and he previously held other senior investment roles, including CIO at Fortis Investments’ multi-management division in London.
“Peter’s experience will be fundamental in driving performance, further modernizing our investment approaches and implementing future-fit investment technologies,” Buehlmann said in a statement. “Having led investment teams at asset managers and asset owners, Peter is ideally suited to work with our asset class heads and the broader leadership team to develop client-led investment propositions.”
Branner will play an important role helping abrdn upgrade its investments. The firm is moving away from “operating across a broad waterfront” and instead will focus on its core strengths, simplifying the menu of products it offers investors, according to abrdn. The goal: to increase efficiency and improve investment performance, the company said.
“Peter’s joining marks a new chapter in our transformation. Over the past two years we have made great strides in reshaping our investments business,” Demetriou said. “Our capabilities in public markets and alternatives support clients in accessing investment opportunities that capitalize on the key themes driving the global economy — such as growth in Asia, climate change, urbanization and infrastructure development, and the democratization of financial services. Peter’s outstanding track record and experienced leadership will be invaluable as our re-shaped business prepares for growth.”
Branner said in a statement that joining Abrdn while it evolves to meet the needs of modern investors and achieve the high bar for performance it sets for itself is a “hugely exciting prospect.”
“As a passionate advocate for sustainable long-term investing, and the wider positive impacts the industry can deliver, I am looking forward to being part of a firm that has a strong heritage in sustainable investing and exploring how we best support our clients in a challenged world,” Branner added.
