The former co-chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, who stepped down in May, has re-emerged in a key strategy role at Aberdeen Asset Management – a move that rekindles a relationship with the £301 billion funds group and its CEO Martin Gilbert stretching back more than two decades.

Gordon Neilly's appointment as global head of strategy at Aberdeen Asset Management coincides with Schroders' hire of Huw van Steenis, the well-regarded financials analyst at Morgan Stanley, in the same capacity. Both positions are newly created.