abrdn appoints head of global multi asset as Russell Barlow steps down

Darren Wolf to succeed Barlow

Challenge of business concept. A businessman jumping over a valley. Moving from one job to another

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Russell Barlow is set to leave abrdn after 26 years at the company for a role at a “non-competing” firm, while Darren Wolf is appointed to his previous role as global head of multi asset & alternative investments.

Wolf has been with abrdn for near nine years, and was previously with Arden Asset Management and Robeco-Sage Asset Management as director of research. He is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

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“It is an incredibly exciting time to be stepping into this role. The continued growth of client solutions across our Multi Asset and Alternatives business positions us well for future success. I am proud to lead an incredible team across the multi asset and alternatives spectrum and thank Russell for his insight and guidance over the last decade together and as we transition the team.” 

Along with Barlow’s promotion, abrdn has hired Christian Howells as head of investment specialists for multi asset and alternatives. Howells had previously spent over a decade with abrdn, in roles including global head of investment specialists for Aberdeen Solutions and senior solutions director at Aberdeen Standard Investments before the company rebrand. Most recently, he spent nearly two years at BlackRock Alternative Advisors as head of product specialists for EMEA.

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Peter Branner, CIO of abrdn, said: “These promotions and appointments set us up for continued success and we are thrilled to reward home grown talent, while ensuring a smooth transition.  Darren has led our Alternative Investment Strategies team for the past decade, overseeing the management of over $15 billion of assets across hedge funds, private credit and risk mitigation. We are also delighted to welcome back our much-respected former colleague Christian Howells, who knows many of our clients well.

“I would like to thank Russell for his commitment and dedication to the multi asset and alternatives business. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”