Debruyne’s appointment was effective on 11 May, the firm said in a statement. He will also join the Schroders’ Group Management Committee.
He replaces Richard Mountford, who has been the CEO since September 2012.
At the same time, Chris Durack succeeds Debruyne as the country head of Hong Kong. Durack also takes on the role of the firm’s Asia-Pacific head of institutional business from Sydney-based Greg Cooper.
Durack joined Schroders’ Sydney office in 2011 as the head of product and distribution.
In February 2016, he relocated to Hong Kong to take on the newly-created role of the head of distribution.
Singapore-based Showbhik Kalra, who is the head of product for Asia-Pacific, has also taken additional responsibility as the head of intermediary business, Asia Pacific, a role that was previously held by Debruyne.
The new appointments reflect “our long-term succession planning, and the company’s desire to promote talented individuals from within who understand Schroders’ unique culture,” said Mountford.
“[Debruyne] brings with him unrivalled experience and expertise in delivering cross-border business strategies and as such is a natural successor in the role. [Durack’s] deep understanding of the region’s client needs will be of great value in his new position. [Kalra] has built a strong knowledge of our intermediary business, as product is an integral part of our Intermediary sales strategy,” Mountford said.
The UK-based firm had £324.9bn ($461bn) under management as of March.
