First Sentier Investors, a leading global investment manager, appointed Adele Swan as the new Chief People and Culture Officer. Based in Edinburgh, Ms Swan will report directly to CEO Mark Steinberg.

Mark Steinberg, CEO of First Sentier Investors, commented: “Adele has been Acting Chief People and Culture Officer over the past three months and has, during this time, demonstrated the dedication, leadership, and vision required for this role. She has a deep understanding and passion for talent and the importance of culture in creating a great employee experience. I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint Adele from within the business, which showcases the talent and opportunities for progression that exist within our firm.”

Ms. Swan brings three decades of experience across all aspects of People and Culture within the financial services sector globally, including with Standard Life Aberdeen (now Abrdn), HSBC, and Tesco Bank. 

She has extensive experience in organizational design and development strategies, change management, and HR operational delivery. Her sound understanding of First Sentier Investors and its culture makes her an ideal fit for the Chief People and Culture role.

Adele Swan's journey within First Sentier Investors began as Global Head of Talent, Leadership, and DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), a role she held for the past two years. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance talent acquisition, leadership development, and foster an inclusive workplace culture. Her strategic vision and ability to implement effective people and culture strategies have been instrumental in driving the company's success.

She takes over from Melanie King, who served as Chief People and Culture Officer for three years. Melanie King played a pivotal role in shaping the company's people and culture strategy, and her efforts have laid a strong foundation for Ms. Swan to build upon.

A proven track record in financial services

Adele Swan's extensive background in financial services has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the industry's unique challenges and opportunities. 

At Standard Life Aberdeen, she was instrumental in implementing organizational change and development strategies that significantly improved employee engagement and performance. Her tenure at HSBC saw her leading global HR operations, where she successfully managed large-scale transformation projects.

Her experience at Tesco Bank further solidified her expertise in HR operational delivery, change management, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. These roles have honed her ability to drive strategic initiatives and deliver measurable results, making her a valuable asset to First Sentier Investors.

Mark Steinberg's endorsement of Adele Swan underscores the confidence the company has in her abilities to lead the People and Culture function. “Adele’s appointment is a testament to our commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent from within our organization. Her leadership and vision will be instrumental in driving our people and culture strategy forward,” Steinberg remarked.