He will be supported by Peter Branner, the firm’s new chief investment officer who joined in 2023 May, and Xavier Meyer, the firm’s chief client officer who will oversee strategy in the UK and EMEA region. They will focus on accelerating growth across the business globally, the firm said in a statement.

Buehlmann (pictured) joined abrdn in 2021 as CEO of APAC and became the co-CEO of the group’s investment business in 2021 June. He will continue to lead abrdn’s APAC business and be based in Asia, the firm continued.

Buehlmann said: ‘I am excited to be leading our investments business as we look ahead to accelerate our strategy. The work of the last two years has been critical in repositioning our business and I am proud how far we have come.” 

“Our focus now is on truly delivering for our clients and enabling them to be better investors,” he continued.

In an internal note seen by this news service, Stephen Bird, CEO of abrdn said: “Rene has been with abrdn since March 2021. There is nobody more equipped, passionate or experienced – his focus on, and relationships with, our clients is second to none.”  

“Rene’s appointment will allow us to focus the business where we have strength, scale, and undeniable capability for the future,” he added.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, abrdn manages and administers £500 billion ($629 billion) of assets for clients, using a strategy of delivering client-led growth. The investments business manages £376 billion on behalf of clients, including insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, independent wealth managers, pension funds, platforms, banks and family offices.