Aegon today announces the appointment of Shawn C.D. Johnson as the new CEO of Aegon Asset Management (Aegon AM) and member of Aegon’s Executive Committee, effective September 23. Shawn succeeds Bas NieuweWeme, who has decided to leave to pursue career opportunities outside of Aegon. To enable a smooth transition, Bas will stay on as an advisor until December 1.
Shawn brings a wealth of experience to Aegon AM, having most recently served as CEO of AMP Capital, an international investment manager based in Australia, where he successfully led the company through a period of strategic transformation. During his distinguished career he also founded Guidon Global LLC, advising top institutional investors, and had a 15-year tenure at State Street Global Advisors, a global investment manager, where he chaired the Investment Committee and played a key role in guiding the firm’s global investment strategies.
Lard Friese, CEO of Aegon, commented: “Shawn’s appointment comes at a natural moment for Aegon AM following the completion of key milestones. Shawn’s extensive expertise in asset management, combined with his strategic consulting and leadership acumen, make him uniquely qualified to guide Aegon AM through the next phase of its transformation. I am confident that Shawn, along with Aegon AM’s executive team, will build on our strong foundation to achieve sustainable, profitable growth and further strengthen our competitive position in the industry.”
Shawn Johnson said: “I am excited to join Aegon AM and look forward to working with the teams on the next phase of the strategy to support Aegon’s ambition to create leading businesses in investment, protection and retirement solutions.”
Lard Friese continued: “I would like to thank Bas NieuweWeme for his many contributions to our business since he joined Aegon in 2019. Under his leadership, Aegon AM has become a more client-driven organization and demonstrated strong growth in its global platforms third-party business and alternatives business. Bas played a key role in moving the organization towards a global platform that operates under one brand to leverage Aegon AM’s international expertise and product suite to better serve our clients.”
Bas NieuweWeme commented: “After five years in the role, this is a natural moment to reflect. I am proud to see what we have accomplished together, and it is the right time to embark on a new chapter in my career and allow a new CEO to take the business forward. I am grateful to have enjoyed the trust of my colleagues, our clients, and other stakeholders.”