‘Titan of asset management industry’ hailed by business leaders

Tributes poured in from other north-east business leaders after Martin Gilbert announced he will retire from Standard Life Aberdeen next year.

Stewart Spence, a longtime friend and owner of the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen, said: “Martin has been a titan of the asset management industry for decades, building the Aberdeen Asset brand from the ground up and turning it into one of the biggest names on the planet. He has faced challenge and success as equals, and genuinely put the city and region on the global map.

“His support for sport, charity and other businesses is incredible, but he’s more than the sum of those parts – he’s a great friend to me and so many others in Aberdeen. I just worry how Fiona, his wonderful wife, is going to put up with him being at home more.”

Balmoral Group chairman and MD Jim Milne said: “Characters in business are few and far between these days, but Martin has been around the block and has, without question, made a significant and lasting impression on the north-east economy. With a globallyrenowned eye for a deal, and an equal interest in promoting Aberdeen while supporting many local organisations, he leaves a business legacy that will be hard to beat.

“I’m sure I speak for the whole business community in wishing him well for the future.”

Aberdeen and Grampian chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick said: “Martin is truly a northeast legend. Growing one of the world’s largest organisations from a small start-up in the city but always keeping Aberdeen at the very heart of the business... has helped reinforce Aberdeen as a global brand.

“I suspect he won’t be finished just yet and look forward to him playing a part in ‘Team Aberdeen’ as we look to deliver our economic renaissance vision.”

Stewart Spence