Emily Smart: A Leading Force in Investment Product Strategy at Aberdeen
In the fast-paced and competitive world of finance, leaders like Emily Smart have carved out significant roles by not only driving strategic decisions but also shaping the future of investment products. As the Chief Product Officer at Aberdeen (now known as abrdn), Emily Smart has demonstrated a deep understanding of financial markets, product management, and leadership. This article delves into her career trajectory, leadership roles, and how her contributions are driving the evolution of investment products within the asset management industry.
Career Journey of Emily Smart
Early Career: Laying the Foundations
Emily Smart began her journey in the financial sector with a strong foundation in hedge fund management. Her career took off when she joined UBS as a Hedge Fund Specialist in 2005. During her five years at UBS, Emily honed her skills in hedge fund strategies and gained valuable insights into the workings of the financial markets. This experience laid the groundwork for her subsequent career moves.
In 2010, Emily transitioned to Barclays Wealth Management as a Hedge Fund Product Specialist, where she continued to build her expertise in investment products. At Barclays, she was responsible for overseeing hedge fund strategies and managing institutional client relationships, preparing her for her later strategic leadership roles.
Stepping into Leadership: Aberdeen Standard Investments
Emily’s time at Aberdeen Standard Investments (now abrdn) marked a significant shift in her career as she embraced more prominent leadership roles. In 2017, she took on the role of Global Head of Product Strategy (Public Markets) at Aberdeen Standard Investments. This was a turning point, as she was now responsible for shaping product strategies for public market investments across the globe. Her leadership in this area enabled the firm to develop and refine investment products that catered to the evolving needs of institutional clients.
Her expertise in public markets was further recognised when she was promoted to Global Head of Product Public Markets in 2019. In this role, she oversaw the development of innovative investment strategies that spanned equities, fixed income, and multi-asset solutions. Emily’s vision for a diversified and responsive product suite became a hallmark of her leadership during this period.
Chief Product Officer: Shaping the Future of Investment Products
In December 2021, Emily Smart ascended to the role of Chief Product Officer at abrdn, where she currently leads the company’s global product strategy and development. As Chief Product Officer, Emily is tasked with ensuring that abrdn’s product offerings are not only competitive but also aligned with market trends and customer needs. Under her guidance, the firm has focused on providing sustainable, responsible investment solutions, with a strong emphasis on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into their products.
One of Emily’s key contributions at abrdn has been her ability to bring together cross-functional teams to innovate and design investment products that meet the ever-changing demands of the investment world. From traditional public market solutions to alternative investment vehicles, Emily has driven the development of strategies that provide clients with diversified portfolios, giving them the flexibility to navigate global financial markets.
Leadership at abrdn: A Visionary Approach
Pioneering ESG Integration
As the investment world shifts toward a more sustainable future, Emily Smart has played an instrumental role in integrating ESG factors into abrdn’s investment products. By prioritising sustainable investment solutions, she has helped guide the company towards aligning its product offerings with broader societal goals, such as combating climate change and improving social responsibility. This approach is essential, as more investors seek to make a positive impact through their investments, and abrdn’s commitment to ESG aligns perfectly with these values.
Driving Product Innovation
Under Emily’s leadership, abrdn has emphasised the importance of product innovation, ensuring that their clients have access to cutting-edge investment strategies. Her expertise in product strategy has enabled the company to develop investment products that provide tailored solutions for various institutional clients. Whether it’s through actively managed funds, passive investment vehicles, or alternative investment products, Emily has steered the company towards a future where its investment solutions are as dynamic and adaptive as the markets themselves.
Moreover, Emily has emphasised collaboration within the company, encouraging teams to work together in crafting products that are not only financially sound but also forward-thinking. Her vision has paved the way for abrdn to become a leader in sustainable investment solutions, positioning the company as a key player in the asset management industry.
Fostering a Culture of Excellence
Beyond product innovation, Emily’s leadership at abrdn has also fostered a culture of excellence and high performance. She has been instrumental in building and leading cross-functional teams that work cohesively to bring new investment products to market. Emily’s ability to inspire and motivate her teams has played a key role in the continued success of abrdn’s product offerings.
Her approach to leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of both the financial markets and the internal processes needed to drive innovation. Emily has shown that by fostering an environment of collaboration and openness, her teams are able to push the boundaries of investment product development.
Emily Smart’s Impact on the Asset Management Industry
Transforming Product Development
Emily Smart’s impact on the asset management industry has been profound, particularly in the realm of public market product development. As an advocate for sustainability and innovation, she has successfully positioned abrdn as a leader in developing products that are not only profitable but also ethically responsible. By embracing the importance of ESG factors in investment strategies, Emily has transformed how products are developed at abrdn, ensuring that sustainability and ethical considerations are central to the firm’s product offerings.
Additionally, Emily has ensured that abrdn’s investment products are competitive in a rapidly changing market landscape. By staying ahead of emerging trends and understanding the needs of institutional clients, she has helped the firm maintain a strong market position.
Leading by Example
Emily Smart has become a role model for women in finance, particularly in leadership roles. As a senior executive in a male-dominated industry, she has shown that with determination and vision, women can break through the glass ceiling and lead major financial institutions. Her journey from hedge fund specialist to chief product officer is a testament to her leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence.
Moreover, Emily’s focus on diversity and inclusion within her teams has helped create a work environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and can thrive. This approach has led to more diverse perspectives in product development, which is crucial for creating innovative solutions that cater to a wide range of clients.
Conclusion
Emily Smart’s journey from hedge fund specialist to Chief Product Officer at abrdn is a story of perseverance, innovation, and leadership. Her ability to drive product strategy and development in an ever-evolving market has made a significant impact on the asset management industry. Through her visionary leadership, Emily has not only helped abrdn adapt to the demands of the modern financial world but also positioned it as a leader in sustainable investment products.
As the investment world continues to evolve, Emily Smart’s influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of product development, driving change and innovation in the financial sector. Her leadership and strategic foresight are integral to abrdn’s ongoing success and to the broader transformation of the investment management industry.
