SLA's global distribution head Fleming to leave firm

Campbell Fleming, global head of distribution at Standard Life Aberdeen (SLA), is leaving the business at the end of the month following a leadership review from CEO Stephen Bird.

The review, which has been in place since Bird became CEO of the firm in September, was designed to "meet the changing needs" of SLA's customers and clients, and to "position the company for growth across the four existing vectors - asset management, adviser platforms, savings and wealth, and strategic partnerships", according to a spokesperson.

Fleming's departure comes following the appointments of sales executive Alex Hoctor-Duncan, CEO of Standard Life Savings Noel Butwell, CEO of 1825 Financial Planning Julie Scott and CEO of Aberdeen Standard Capital Richard Charnock to Bird's leadership team.

Since Standard Life and Aberdeen Asset Management merged in 2017, Fleming has headed up the company's growth agenda and created a "scalable" distribution platform. Prior to joining the Aberdeen in 2016, he was Columbia Threadneedle Investments' chief executive for EMEA having joined the firm in 2009 as the global head of distribution. Fleming has also held roles at JP Morgan Asset Management and at financial service regulators in the UK and Australia.

CEO Bird said: "Campbell has made an enormous contribution to Standard Life Aberdeen and previously to Aberdeen Asset Management. His tireless leadership, vision and insight have positioned the company for future growth and I am hugely grateful to him and wish him well."

Fleming added it has been "a real pleasure and privilege" to work at SLA, "having achieved so much" alongside his colleagues at the firm.

He said: "I wish Stephen, my colleagues, and Standard Life Aberdeen every success in building a better future for all, especially our clients and customers."