Abrdn Regulatory News (ABDN)

Aberdeen Group plc

Non-executive director appointments

Aberdeen Group plc announces that Arno Kitts and Richard (Rick) Lacaille have been appointed to the Board as Non-Executive Directors with effect from 3 June 2026. They will put themselves forward for election by shareholders at the 2027 AGM.

Arno Kitts has over 30 years' experience in global asset management and insurance, having held senior leadership roles at BlackRock, Henderson Global Investors and JP Morgan. At BlackRock, he was Managing Director of the UK Institutional business and Chief Executive of its life insurance investment platform. He is the founder of Perspective Investments, a boutique investment management firm. He has also served as a Non-Executive Director of Pension Insurance Corporation plc, where he chaired the Investment and Origination Committee. His combination of investment, distribution, insurance and governance expertise will be a valuable addition to the Board. Arno is currently Chair of New World Group Holdings Limited and a member of the Investment Committee of The Valesco Group Limited.

Rick Lacaille is a highly experienced investment leader, having spent over 20 years in senior roles at State Street Global Advisors, latterly as Global Chief Investment Officer, where he had oversight of investment activity across active and passive strategies and multiple asset classes. He brings extensive experience of leading global investment teams, navigating complex market environments and driving strategic change across economic and market cycles. Rick also has deep experience in ESG having most recently served as Global Head of ESG at State Street, where he led the firm's approach to sustainability and engagement with regulators, clients and investors. His global perspective and understanding of markets and evolving regulatory themes will bring considerable value to the Board. He is currently a Senior Advisor at Enzo Advisors LLC and Executive Advisor at Arab Invest. He has also held a number of industry roles, including as Chair of the Institute for Quantitative Investment Research and as a member of the Investment Association's Asset Management Committee.

Commenting on these appointments, Jonathan Asquith, Chair of Aberdeen Group plc, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Arno and Rick to our Board. Both have considerable experience in global asset management, combining significant investment expertise with distribution, strategy and governance. Together, they bring highly complementary skills and perspectives and significant industry insight, which will be of considerable value as we execute Aberdeen's strategy to become the UK's leading wealth and investments business."

Following these changes, the Board will comprise two executive directors, seven non-executive directors and the Chair. The Board will be made up of four women and six men. The Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority have been notified of these changes. Arno and Rick's other appointments are listed below. There are no further details to disclose under Listing Rule 6.4.8R. The Board considers both Arno Kitts and Rick Lacaille to be independent in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

3 June 2026

Enquiries:

LEI number of Aberdeen Group plc: 0TMBS544NMO7GLCE7H90

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Notes to Editors

Arno Kitts

Non-Executive Director's Fee

Arno's fee as a Non-Executive Director of Aberdeen Group plc will be £75,000 per annum.

Interest in Shares

As at the date of this announcement, Arno does not hold any shares in Aberdeen Group plc.

Rick Lacaille

Non-Executive Director's Fee

Rick's fee as a Non-Executive Director of Aberdeen Group plc will be £75,000 per annum.

Interest in Shares

As at the date of this announcement, Rick does not hold any shares in Aberdeen Group plc.