This week’s overview of transfers, appointments, promotions and other career news includes updates from Vitis Life, ING Luxembourg, DWS, and Abrdn.
Julia Journée
Julia Journée (photo) has been appointed head of supervisory and regulatory affairs at ING Luxembourg, effective 1 August.
She has been with ING Luxembourg for the past 2.5 years and will now take on this new position, overseeing the bank’s regulatory and supervisory functions.
Prior to ING, Journée served as counsel at Maples and as chief regulatory officer at Quintet Private Bank.
Olivier Albrecht
Olivier Albrecht has joined Vitis Life S.A. as international sales manager.
Albrecht has extensive experience in the financial sector, having held various roles that provided him with significant market expertise and knowledge. He spent a substantial part of his career at Lombard International Assurances, where he contributed to the commercial development of the Belgian branch.
At Vitis Life, Albrecht will be responsible for international relations, working with family offices and private banks in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, and Monaco. He will also manage clients residing in Belgium.
Max Elliott-Taylor
Max Elliott-Taylor has been appointed as CLO portfolio manager at DWS. Based in London, he will report to Dan Robinson, EMEA head of alternative credit. Elliott-Taylor joins DWS from CIFC Asset Management, where he managed five active CLOs and other related asset strategies. He previously worked at Investcorp Credit Management and as an analyst at Legal & General.
This appointment follows the recent hires of Vlado Spasov as head of capital solutions in April, Roscoe Roman as senior investment manager for EMEA alternative credit in March, and Dan Robinson as EMEA head of alternative credit in November 2023. These appointments are part of DWS’s strategy to expand its 108 billion euro alternatives franchise, which has a strong track record in real estate, infrastructure, and liquid real assets.
Robinson highlighted the growth potential of the alternative credit market and the importance of CLOs in DWS’s strategic plan. He expressed confidence in Elliott-Taylor’s reputation and extensive investment experience in the European CLO market, seeing his role as crucial in leading DWS’s initiatives in this space.
Jason Windsor
Jason Windsor is the front-runner to become the next chief executive of Abrdn, following the departure of Stephen Bird. Windsor, who currently serves as finance chief and interim CEO, could be formally appointed to the top role as soon as Tuesday when the company reports its half-year results, according to the Financial Times.
Abrdn yet to make a final decision on the appointment. Bird stepped down in May after a turbulent four-year tenure marked by significant outflows of client funds and a much-criticised rebranding.
The company has faced challenges in reversing its fortunes, with continued client cash withdrawals. Last year, these difficulties were highlighted when Abrdn fell out of Britain’s blue-chip FTSE 100 index. On Tuesday, the firm posted a decline of 7 percent in net operating revenue, to 667 million pounds, citing the “impact of outflows” and the “expected lower margins in investments”.
Verona Kenny
Verona Kenny has been appointed as chief distribution officer at Abrdn Adviser. Reporting directly to Noel Butwell, CEO of Abrdn Adviser, Kenny will join the firm in Q4. She brings extensive experience from her previous role as managing director, intermediary at 7IM.
This appointment is a significant step in strengthening the leadership team at Abrdn Adviser. It follows the recent creation of the chief technology officer role, demonstrating Abrdn’s ambition to capitalise on industry changes and opportunities.
Kenny’s role is expected to enhance the firm’s distribution capabilities as Abrdn Adviser continues to adapt to the evolving market landscape.
Investment Officer publishes an overview of key industry and Luxembourg appointments every Thursday. Please share your announcement via email to editor@investmentofficer.lu.