Gilbert takes top role at social care charity

Appointment: Entrepreneur now honorary president of VSA

FRESH CHALLENGE: The Aberdeen charity said the support of Martin Gilbert would be invaluable as it emerges from the coronavirus crisis

North-east entrepreneur Martin Gilbert has been appointed honorary president of the Aberdeen social care charity VSA, as it looks to the end of lockdown.

One of the financial sector’s most celebrated leaders, Mr Gilbert stood down from the board of Standard Life Aberdeen last week.

He will now help lead the charity as it emerges from the coronavirus crisis and faces the tough challenge of keeping both residents and staff safe.

Fiona Kennedy, the Aberdeen-born singing star, is also an honorary president and Mr Gilbert will now work alongside her to shape the future direction of VSA.

He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to accept the position of honorary president of such a fantastic charity.

“The city of Aberdeen has been the base upon which we have been able to build a global brand and I can’t think of a better way to give something back to my home city than supporting the amazing work VSA does for the most vulnerable people in our society.”

The 64-year-old founded Aberdeen Asset Management more than 36 years ago and pushed through its £11 billion merger with Standard Life in 2017, becoming cochief executive and vicechairman.

He will leave the business in September as oneofthelongestserving asset managers in the

City. Mr Gilbert is also chairman of digital banking business Revolut and chairman of the fund manager Toscafund.

Previously a deputy chairman of Sky, he is also a non-executive director of Glencore.

VSA provides around two million hours of support for 2,000 vulnerable people in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas, from birth to end-of-life care.

Chief executive Kenneth Simpson welcomed the appointment of the well-respected City veteran. He said: “Martin is not only well known in the City of London and Aberdeen, he has a global presence and brings with him a massive amount of knowledge and wisdom that will help us drive forward to support the most vulnerable people in our care.

“There is no doubt that as we emerge from the coronavirus we will face even more significant challenges and Martin’s support will be invaluable.”