abrdn Adviser makes another senior hire who will play a pivotal role in the leadership team as it continues to grow the business.

abrdn Adviser has appointed Louise Williams (pictured) as chief financial officer, starting in January 2025. She will be replacing Gordon Mitchell and will be London based.

The CFO will be a key part of the Adviser business leadership team, led by Noel Butwell, CEO at abrdn Adviser, the firm said in a statement. The role is also central to developing the strategy, and ensuring that abrdn is deploying capital efficiently to fulfill its ambition to grow the Adviser business. 

With abrdn Adviser’s assets under management and administration at £75 billion ($98.7 billion), Williams is joining at an important time, the firm added. It follows abrdn Adviser’s technology upgrade, laying foundations for the future.

Williams is currently group finance director at Quilter, in a career spanning asset and wealth management, including a decade at New York-headquartered BNY. She brings experience as a senior executive, with a focus on change, transformation, and robust financial governance.

“Louise is an outstanding senior finance professional and has substantial experience across the wealth and investments industry, with a deep understanding of advice businesses and the regulatory landscape. Louise will play a pivotal role in my leadership team as we further capitalise on the opportunities in a rapidly evolving, and growing, market,” Butwell said.

The appointment follows the announcement last month that Verona Kenny is to join abrdn Adviser as chief distribution officer. See more commentary here.

abrdn is an investment company, managing £505.9 billion of assets for clients, structured around three businesses – Investments, Adviser and ii – focused on their changing needs. abrdn Adviser provides financial planning solutions and technology for UK financial advisors, enabling them to create value for their businesses and their clients.