The new head, who has been with Aberdeen for nearly 20 years, has been instrumental in leading flagship strategies and driving research innovation.

Scotland-based Aberdeen Investments has appointed Pruksa Iamthongthong as head of equities for Asia Pacific. She is succeeding Flavia Cheong (pictured), who will be retiring in December 2025 after a 30-year career with the firm.

This leadership transition marks both a moment of change and continuity for Aberdeen’s Asia Pacific Equities franchise.

Cheong joined the company in 1997 as one of the first members of the Singapore office, when assets under management stood at just £250 million ($337 million), the firm said in a statement. Over the next three decades, she helped build the team which now manage £16.9 billion.

Lamthongthong, deputy head of Asia Pacific equities, has been with Aberdeen for nearly 20 years. She has been instrumental in leading flagship strategies and driving research innovation and will continue to lead the Asia Pacific equities team, the firm continued.

“Flavia helped put Aberdeen on the map in Asia. Her leadership, investment acumen, and commitment to nurturing talent have left an enduring legacy. We thank her for her extraordinary contribution,” Devan Kaloo, global head of equities at Aberdeen Investments, said. “Pruksa is the natural successor. She has long been a key face of the franchise and is well-positioned to lead the team into its next chapter.”

“Asia’s growth story continues to unfold, and we remain as excited about the opportunities ahead as we were when we opened our Singapore office over 30 years ago,” Ian Macdonald, CEO Asia Pacific, added.

The changes come as Aberdeen continues to invest in both internal and external talent.

Two external additions to the team start in June: Isaac Thong, a portfolio constructor will be joining from JP Morgan, and emerging markets financials analyst Anthony Yang is joining from Goldman Sachs.

As at 31 March 2025, Aberdeen managed and administered £500.1 billion of its clients’ assets.