Richard Denning appointed as Aberdeen Adviser CEO

Aberdeen has appointed Richard Denning as the new CEO of its Adviser business. He will succeed Noel Butwell, who announced his decision to step down from the role earlier this month.

Richard has worked in the Adviser sector for over 20 years, holding a number of senior roles across client, distribution and operations. He arrives from M&G where he has been CEO of its Wealth Platform, prior to which he had been COO at Aegon UK. Richard was also one of the founders of the Novia platform.

The appointment comes with the adviser platform market evolving at great speed, with ongoing consolidation among advice firms, and intense competition among platform providers.

Aberdeen Group Chief Executive Jason Windsor said;

“Richard’s deep understanding of the market and extensive transformation track record, combined with his strategic and operational experience, make him the perfect fit to take our business to the next level of performance. 

“Following the successful launch of our market-leading Aberdeen SIPP, work continues at pace to further enhance our proposition, continue to improve our service to clients and return to positive net inflows.  

“Against this backdrop, we are confident that Richard’s arrival will build further on the progress made in 2025, drawing on his detailed grasp of what matters to IFAs along with the technology that powers platforms.

“I am excited to welcome Richard to Aberdeen to realise our strategic priorities for the Adviser business.”

Speaking about his appointment, Richard said;

“I am delighted to be joining Aberdeen Adviser as CEO, leading one of the sector’s key players with a strong proposition, a fantastic heritage, and a great team. 

“I am looking forward to building on the work that has already been done to position the business for future growth and to ensuring we deliver the best platform in the market for our clients, at a time when technology and innovation continues to rapidly evolve.”

The change in leadership follows a number of senior hires at Aberdeen Adviser over the last 18 months, including Verona Kenny as Chief Distribution Officer, Louise Williams as Chief Financial Officer for Adviser, Derek Smith as the business’s Chief Product & Technology Officer and Mark Wilson as Adviser’s Chief Risk Officer, creating one of the strongest senior teams in the sector. Noel will continue to lead the business until Richard’s arrival, which we expect to be in May.  

Ends

Media enquiries 

Rachel Cashmore 
Senior Manager, Media Relations: Adviser and Investments
Rachel.Cashmore@aberdeenplc.com 
0734 170 3358

Notes to editors

About Adviser 

Aberdeen’s Adviser business provides financial planning solutions and technology for UK financial advisers, enabling them to create value for their businesses and their clients.

Adviser offers a combination of tools and services personalised to the needs of IFAs, including access to the full suite of investment solutions that Aberdeen offers as well as a wide range of open architecture investment options.

As at 31 December 2025, Adviser business managed and administered £80.4bn of client assets.

www.aberdeenadviser.com

About Aberdeen Group plc

Aberdeen is a leading Wealth & Investments group, working to help millions of customers and clients turn their financial goals into reality. As at 31 December 2025, Aberdeen managed and administered £556bn of client and customer assets across its three core business, interactive investor, Adviser and Investments.

www.aberdeenplc.com 

The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and investors may get back less than the amount invested.

Aberdeen Platform Limited, provider of Wrap platform, is registered in Scotland (SC180203) at 1 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LL and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.