Keith Skeoch and Martin Gilbert on the Standard Life Aberdeen Merger | Keith Skeoch and Martin Gilbert 00:10:00
Keith Skeoch and Martin Gilbert are joint CEOs of Standard Life Aberdeen PLC, a leading global asset management company formed through the merger of Standard Life and Aberdeen. Prior to the merger, Standard Life focused on transitioning to a capital-light, fee-based investment model, while Aberdeen was known for its global asset management expertise, particularly in emerging markets. The merger aims to leverage the strengths of both companies, combining Standard Life’s strong domestic presence with Aberdeen’s international reach. Keith Skeoch highlights the strategic rationale behind the merger, emphasizing the importance of scale for investing in technology and people. He notes that the combination of developed and emerging markets provides significant diversification and access to growth opportunities in rapidly developing economies. Martin Gilbert adds that the merger addresses the need for size in the asset management industry, positioning the combined entity as one of the largest independent asset managers outside the US. Both CEOs believe that the merger will benefit clients by offering a robust alternative to major US asset managers and enabling the company to adapt to changing economic and political landscapes.