This development follows the departure of Sujaree Junsawang, former director of finance and operations and acting country head.
Leenabanchong will take charge of the role on 1 July and will be responsible for shaping the company’s strategy with a focus on new business development.
He will work closely with CIO Adithep Vanabriksha and report to Ian Macdonald, director in Singapore.
Hugh Young, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia’s managing director in Singapore said: “(This) appointment signals our confidence in the Thai market, where we see exciting potential especially in the distribution of mutual funds via local retail banks, and in provident funds as more companies outsource their pension arrangements.”
Leenabanchong has more than two decades of industry experience and his stints include handling various roles at companies such as Tisco Asset Management and Dresdner Kleinwort in Bangkok.
Aberdeen Asset Management has been expanding its operations in Asia and recently also announced its plans to buy a majority 80% stake in Indonesian fund management company, NISP Asset Management.
Recently, Aberdeen completed the migration of all equity funds and mandates run by Scottish Widows Investment Partnership, which it had acquired in November in a deal worth £550m.