Whitley overseas around £5.5bn of assets under management across and 18-strong team, including the £355m Aberdeen Property Share Fund and £226m Aberdeen UK Equity Fund.
Whitley joined Aberdeen in 2003 and was a senior investment manager on its Asia Pacific equities team in Singapore before returning to Edinburgh to work firstly on the global equities team before being appointed to his current role in 2009.
Aberdeen said today it was Whitley’s own decision to step back and pursue other interests away from Aberdeen, and he will be taking a career break before deciding his next move.
A statement read: “Jeremy will ensure a smooth handover of his responsibilities to Ben over the next few months. Ben joined Aberdeen in 2002 as a graduate and has spent his entire career working in the team. In June 2016, he was promoted to be Jeremy’s deputy.
“Aberdeen’s collegiate approach to investing and the consistent application of the process founded on undertaking fundamental company research and engagement will continue following Jeremy’s departure.”
Devan Kaloo, global head of equities, added: “Jeremy has made a significant contribution to the three equity desks he worked on and to the overall Aberdeen business. He will leave with our thanks and best wishes.
“Ben’s appointment demonstrates our strength in depth and his experience will ensure continuity in our approach to investing.”
