Caroline Connellan (pictured) is to leave Abrdn at the end of August for personal reasons, the company announced on Thursday. No further details were provided.
She joined the firm in October 2021 as CEO of personal wealth from Brooks Macdonald, where she had been chief executive for nearly five years.
Stephen Bird, CEO of Abrdn, said: “Caroline joined us last year, and in that time has made a real difference to this strategically important part of our business. With a relentless focus on delivering for our clients, she has built a strong foundation from which we will continue to transform and grow.
“I want to thank Caroline for the impact she has had in the Personal vector and for the leadership she has shown across the wider business agenda.”
Connellan’s departure will see Interactive Investor CEO Richard Wilson take on an expanded role as chief executive of Abrdn’s Personal vector. Abrdn acquired the investment platform in a £1.5bn deal earlier this year.
Wilson will assume overall leadership of the Personal vector, with Abrdn moving its financial planning, discretionary and digital solutions divisions under his leadership following Connellan’s departure.
Bird continued: “Under our strategy, we have identified the growing UK wealth market as a key area for investment and expansion, and the recent acquisition of II demonstrates our commitment and transforms our presence in this market.
“Since II became part of Abrdn, Richard and Caroline have been working collaboratively on areas of shared opportunity and growth, and we see significant opportunities to continue to expand our capabilities and services to customers.
“Richard’s proven experience, client focus and leadership skills will allow us to deliver the growth synergies the acquisition of II makes possible and continue accelerating the delivery of our ambitions.
“By joining up our current offerings, from hi-tech DIY investing through to hi-touch financial advice, we can offer a seamless client journey that will meet our purpose of enabling our clients to be better investors.”
