Aberdeen Investments today announces the appointment of Herman Bots as Global Head of its Equities franchise, which has £46 billion assets under management* and over 100 investors.
He joins after seventeen years at APG, one of the world’s largest pension investors, most recently as Managing Director of Equities.
Between 2011-2022, Herman was responsible for active developed market equities, during which time 80% of portfolios outperformed their benchmark. In 2022 he moved to New York to establish new investment teams and in 2023 he became Managing Director of Global Equities.
He brings a strong background in equity research, talent management and investment process, having begun his career as an energy specialist.
Herman will report to Aberdeen’s CIO, Peter Branner and will be based in London. Devan Kaloo will now focus on what he loves the most: running emerging markets portfolios, where he began his career at Aberdeen 26 years ago. He also wants to start spending more time pursuing other interests outside work.
Peter Branner, CIO, Aberdeen Investments, says:
“We are delighted to welcome Herman, who joins after an extensive search. He is an exceptional investor and people leader, with a keen eye on innovation, technology and tools. Having worked with Herman before at APG, this was an appointment that I have reflected on at length. He was the best fit for the role, and the panel was in unanimous agreement. We look forward to welcoming Herman in July.
“Finally, my thanks to Devan, who has been and remains a huge part of Aberdeen’s story. His rapid career trajectory, from Portfolio Manager to Emerging Markets Head in his first five years alone, speaks volumes. A true leader and mentor, he will now focus on doing what he loves the most with our full support.”
Devan Kaloo says:
“Leading Aberdeen’s Equities franchise has been the privilege of my career. Through growth, challenge, and one or two extraordinary macro events, I’m pleased to hand over at a time of meaningfully improved performance, sharper focus from the leadership, and greater stability.
“We’ve overhauled process, brought in more rigour, and built genuinely new capabilities. A new generation of leaders is coming through — the team is in a great place, and I wish Herman every success.
“I’ve been lucky to work with, learn from, and be challenged by some incredible people. Now I’m looking forward to refocusing on what I love — running emerging markets portfolios — while starting to do more of other things outside work.”
Herman Bots, Global Head of Equities, Aberdeen Investments, says:
“I am passionate about equity investing, and it’s exciting to join one of the UK’s leading wealth and investments groups. With improving performance, a clear mission, and an incredibly diverse client base, it’s an important time to continue modernisation and delivery for clients – and grow the business, too. I can’t wait to get started.”
Developing internal talent
As Herman prepares to join in July, Aberdeen Investments is also promoting Nick Robinson to Head of Global Emerging Markets Equities, having been Deputy for the team. Nick has been at Aberdeen Investments for 25 years, including 18 years in Global Emerging Markets.
Otherwise, the Equities leadership team and portfolio managers remain in place and unchanged, including Ben Ritchie (Head of Developed Market Equities), Pruksa Iamthongthong (Head of Equities, Asia Pacific) and Andrew Paisley (Head of Smaller Companies).
