DEREK MITCHELL

Collaboration is key.

“In my role, it’s so important to ensure that everyone is aligned on achieving our goals.

How do we do this? Taking a collaborative approach to how we work. Listening, then deciding. It’s about open and honest communication, being able to trust one another, and also proactively addressing challenges as they arise.”

Opportunity in challenge.

“Any challenge involves a level of problem-solving, which is something I really enjoy. Being presented with an issue and collaborating with the right people to reach a solution together is a great feeling.

I like thinking outside the box and bringing a different angle and opinion to something. For me, the more challenging something looks, the better it is for me. I always approach every challenge believing that somewhere in there, there’s an opportunity and if not an opportunity, then a lesson.”

Technology is pivotal for us.

“The technology we have available to us now is so integral to the journey we’re on as a Group. It enables us to work together efficiently, wherever we are. It enables us to provide a best-in-class service to our clients because we’re able to respond to them dynamically, we’re able to support a broader range of clients from wherever they are in the world, and because we have a group of over 1,000 specialists across the business. Technology gives our clients access to the best people, wherever they are.

It is not a substitute for face-to-face.  It is helping us to work smarter, deliver more, and remove barriers, but face-to-face will always be valuable to us.

At our core, we are a people-based business, and we believe spending real time in quality conversations creates better outcomes for our clients and greater learning and development opportunities for our people.”

Giving back to great people.

“The most satisfying part of my role is when I feel I am helping to create opportunities for people in this ever-changing, growing and dynamic business. Why? Because I get to give back to a business that’s provided me with multiple role opportunities, backing and support.

That fast-growing element of our business does mean that we are constantly evaluating and reconsidering how we operate both internally and externally. The marketplace is quickly changing all the time, and in our phase of transformation, it’s important that we meet that changing market as best we can.

I’ve been here for over 20 years. I joined the firm originally as a senior manager in Private Client. I’ve been head of Private Client, progressing to Aberdeen Managing Partner, before I took on my previous role of Chief Operating Officer. I’ve had experience in roles that are client-facing and ones that were people-focused, which has given me a great foundation for my current role. I’ve seen a lot of change, a lot of growth, but the value of people being the most important has been consistent. It’s what always has and what will continue driving the business forward.”