University appoints Aberdeen Asset Management boss as Senior Governor

The University of Aberdeen has announced the appointment of Aberdeen Asset Management founder and chief executive Martin Gilbert as Senior Governor to lead its governing body, the University Court.

Mr Gilbert is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen and has become one of the UK’s most prominent business leaders.

After founding Aberdeen Asset Management in the 1980s he has grown it to be one of the world’s leading fund management groups and has established a successful non-executive career within the public and private sectors.

As of 30 September 2016, the firm manages assets of £312 billion on behalf of institutional and private investors.

Mr Gilbert was also previously Chairman of FirstGroup, the FTSE250 listed transport services company, and has been Deputy Chairman of Sky plc since 2011.

He has undertaken non-executive roles within government at home and abroad and has recently become a Patron of the Aberdeen Law Project, a student-founded and operated not-for-profit project that uses student volunteers to widen access to the legal system.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the financial heavyweight to the university, saying: “The role of Senior Governor is critically important, all the more so given the increasingly competitive world of higher education. That is why I am delighted that the Court in selecting Martin has appointed someone who is hugely experienced and internationally successful. I very much look forward to working with Martin as we take forward our ambitious plans for our University.”

MrGilbert himself added: “I am honoured that the Court has appointed me to this role. I have always valued the part the University played in my education and it is wonderful to have this opportunity to help it achieve its strategy and its global ambition. The University is one of Scotland’s great institutions and I am passionate about ensuring it continues to thrive and extending its reputation as a university that is competing with the very best in the world.”

Mr Gilbert succeeds Sir Moir Lockhead, who retired from the role at the end of December having made a valuable contribution to the life, work and governance of the University for 14 years.

The appointment is for a 3 year term of office and took effect from 1 January.