Keith Skeoch, CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen, has just been appointed Chair of the Investment Association’s (IA) Board. Michelle Scrimgeour, CEO of Legal & General Investment Management, and Patrick Thomson, CEO for EMEA of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, have been appointed Deputy Chairs, in a move to bolster the IA’s long-term strategic direction and industry leadership.

I am honoured to be appointed and look forward to working with @C_J_Cummings and his team to ensure the industry continues to focus on delivering for clients, investors and the UK economy. https://t.co/6j6eTI504c

— Keith Skeoch (@SkeochKeith) February 13, 2020

The three were appointed to the most senior positions on the IA’s Board, following a Board meeting and vote earlier this afternoon, and will assume their roles on 1 May 2020. Keith replaces Peter Harrison, Group CEO of Schroders, as Chair after his three-year term as Chair comes to an end. Michelle and Patrick replace Keith as Deputy Chair of the IA Board.

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the Investment Association, said:

“The Board sits at the heart of what we do at the IA and ensures we remain focused on the priorities of the industry and those it serves. Given the pace and scale of the changes faced by our industry, here in the UK and internationally, it has never been more important to have a strong voice speaking up for the investment management industry.

“I am delighted that Keith, and Michelle and Patrick, have been appointed as the new Chair and Deputy Chairs of our Board. Their fresh perspectives and senior business experience will be invaluable in the years ahead.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Peter Harrison, who has been an inspirational Chair of the IA and who has helped build it into the organisation of influence that it is today.”

Keith Skeoch, Chair of the Investment Association and CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen, said:

“The asset management industry plays key roles in allocating capital to businesses and infrastructure projects, engaging with companies on ESG issues and importantly helping millions of people achieve their long-term financial objectives. I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the Board of the Investment Association and look forward to working with Chris Cummings and his team to ensure the industry continues to focus on delivering for clients, investors and the UK economy.”

Congratulations to our CEO, Michelle Scrimgeour, on her appointment as Deputy Chair of the @InvAssoc! We’re excited for her to support savers and investors pic.twitter.com/RsVcDggY6r

— LGIM (@LGIM) February 14, 2020

Michelle Scrimgeour, Deputy Chair of the Investment Association and CEO of Legal & General Investment Management, said:

“I very much appreciate the confidence of my Board colleagues and look forward to playing my part in ensuring that we have robust conversations around the future direction of our sector. As the industry’s trade body, we must continue to evolve and support the highest standards for all savers and investors. I am looking forward to working with Chris and the Board as we help to shape the future agenda for investments in the UK.”

Patrick Thomson, Deputy Chair of the Investment Association and CEO for EMEA at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said:

“It’s a great privilege to be selected to help the asset management industry at this time of significant change. Our industry plays a pivotal role in the UK economy assisting business growth and helping UK savers meet their goals. I look forward to collaborating with Chris Cummings and the Board, as we help clients to navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

Source: IA