Platform veteran Verona Kenny is to join Abrdn Adviser as chief distribution officer to drive innovation for clients and intermediaries.
According to Noel Butwell, chief executive of Abrdn Adviser, Kenny’s experience in the advisory market will help position the company as it evolves.
He told FT Adviser: "Verona is client-focused, with service and innovation key to delivering good client outcomes. She has a passion for the advice market and a track record of delivering outstanding results.
“Verona’s experience in the market means she understands the needs of advisers and the customers they serve. As the market evolves, we need to continue to innovate to support our clients – Verona is perfectly positioned for this."
According to the company, Kenny - who until recently was managing director, intermediary, at Seven Investment Management, will shape the vision and lead the sales strategy for the Adviser business.
When she joins in the fourth quarter this year, Kenny will be managing sales relationships with all clients, including strategic partnerships and regional accounts.
The company also said her hire was part of Abrdn's strategy to strengthen its leadership team and capitalise on evolving industry opportunities.
Kenny said: "I am thrilled to join one of the industry giants at a time when the market is undergoing such monumental change."
Butwell added: “Kenny is one of our industry’s most admired senior leaders and will play a huge role at Abrdn Adviser as we take forward our ambitions."
Fellow platform specialist Holly Mackay, founder of Boring Money, said: "Verona is a brilliant hire. This no-nonsense Aussie knows the market inside out, she gets stuff done and she is a wonderful person.
"Abrdn is lucky to have her and I’ve no doubt she will make a real impact – and fast."
The hire comes after a tough 18 months for the company. In February this year, Abrdn saw outflows of £15.3bn in its investments business as it committed to losing 500 jobs as part of a cost-cutting exercise. Net outflows across the whole business hit £13.9bn.
In November last year, the company dropped out of the FTSE 100, as reported by FT Adviser.
The Edinburgh-based company has since been simplifying itself by selling off parts of its business, including its private equity and venture capital business and its DFM arm.
It has also been exploring technological developments. Most recently, Abrdn partnered with the University of Edinburgh to harness generative artificial intelligence for investment research.
Fardeen Anan is an intern with FT Adviser
