Sir Douglas’ extensive experience of board leadership in global financial services helps to focus Board discussion and challenge on the design and delivery of our strategy. His wide-ranging expertise in international, financial and governance matters is an important asset to abrdn, while his collaborative approach helps to facilitate open and constructive boardroom discussion.

Previously, Sir Douglas served as chairman of HSBC Holdings plc from 2010 to 2017. For 15 years prior to this he was HSBC’s group finance director, joining from KPMG where he was a partner. From 2005 to 2011 he also served as a non-executive director of bp plc.

In other current roles, Sir Douglas is chairman of IP Group plc and serves as HM Treasury's Special Envoy for Financial and Professional Services to China's Belt and Road Initiative. He is also a member of the Monetary Authority of Singapore's international advisory panel, and a board member of both the International Chamber of Commerce UK and the Institute of International Finance.

Additionally, he is chairman of the Just Finance Foundation, non-executive director of the Centre for Policy Studies, a member of the Global Advisory Council of Motive Partners and a member of the Hakluyt International Advisory Board. He also chairs the corporate board of Cancer Research UK and is a trustee of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

He holds a BAcc (Hons) from the University of Glasgow and is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.