Based in the Granite City, Aberdeen Asset Management has grown steadily through acquisitions and expansion of its own business for nearly 35 years.
The company was launched when a group of investors, including current chief executive Martin Gilbert, bought out a £50million investment trust in Aberdeen in 1983.
In 1991, it was listed on the London Stock Exchange, under the name Aberdeen Trust Plc, with a market capitalisation of £38million. Six years later the business changed its name to Aberdeen Asset Management
Acquisitions over the years include Murray Johnstone in 2000 and Edinburgh Fund Managers three years later.
In November 2013, AAM acquired Scottish Widows Investment Partnership from Lloyds Banking Group in a £660million deal that made it the second largest fund manager in Europe after Shroders.
Its acquisition of US counterpart Flag Capital Management in 2015 saw it double the private equity assets under its control.
The company now has more than 2,500 staff across 37 offices in 25 countries.
One of the best known Scots in London’s square mile, Mr Gilbert was born in Malaysia and educated in Aberdeen. He holds an MA in accountancy and an LLB from Aberdeen University.
He has a long CV of current and former board appointments, including being deputy chairman of satellite TV giant, Sky, as well as formerly chairing FirstGroup. Regular appearances at the annual general meeting of the world’s most influential financiers at Davos have also featured.
Now in his early 60s, Mr Gilbert divides his time between Aberdeen and London, as well as overseeing the international operations of the group.
