His career spanned almost 40 years in the industry, having started at Rothchild Asset Management in 1989, where he became head of UK sales.<\/p>\n
Throughout his career, Aldridge held several senior sales and distribution roles at Threadneedle Asset Management; Cofunds, where he helped set up one of the UK’s first platforms; Gartmore; and Baring Asset Management.<\/p>\n
Most recently, he was head of distribution at Cornelian Asset Management, which he joined in 2017.<\/p>\n
Several industry stalwarts have paid tribute to the “intelligent, thoughtful and truly special” distribution veteran.<\/p>\n
John Husselbee, head of multi-asset at Liontrust and a friend of Aldridge’s for almost 40 years, said: “I first met Rod in the late 1980s when we worked together at Rothschild Asset Management. We became friends almost immediately, and that friendship lasted for nearly 40 years.<\/p>\n
“Rod was intelligent, knowledgeable, wise and thoughtful, but above all he was interested in people. He took time to listen. He remembered things about people. He would give advice without ever making you feel that he knew better.<\/p>\n
“Over the years, he earned the affectionate nickname ‘Uncle Rodney’ because he was the person people would turn to when they needed someone to listen or wanted some wise advice.<\/p>\n
“Ultimately, Rod’s legacy is not about the companies he worked for or the roles he held. It is about the people whose lives he touched.<\/p>\n
“The asset management industry has lost one of its good guys. His family have lost a devoted husband and father. And I have lost a truly special friend.”<\/p>\n
Simon Ellis, non-executive director and chair at Lifesight, said: “His natural authority, expertise and patience engendered a level of trust that ensured this key platform got off the ground. He would be too modest to even suggest such a thing, but at the time it was touch and go if Cofunds would even get off the ground. I doubt it would have survived without him leading from the start.”<\/p>\n
Jonathan Willcocks, global head of distribution at Premier Miton Group, described Aldridge as “a true gent in the industry”, adding: “He was always calm, measured and had time for anyone and everyone, and was always more than willing to share his wise counsel.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the age of 52, Aldridge was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and had several rounds of chemotherapy over eight and a half years, but colleagues and friends highlighted his ability to maintain relationships, pursue his passions and support for others facing similar health challenges.<\/p>\n
Stuart Alexander, CEO of GemCap UK, said Aldridge had been an invaluable source of support during his own family’s experience with cancer.<\/p>\n
“His support for me whilst dealing with my twin brother’s cancer and subsequently my own diagnosis was beyond many others who knew of the situation. He was never short of some great advice.”<\/p>\n
Campbell Fleming, chair of The Big Exchange and deputy chair of Ruffer Investments, said: “Rod fought that battle in the same way he seemed to approach everything: quietly, courageously and with great dignity. Throughout it, he never lost his sense of humour, his thoughtfulness or that quality that simply made you want to spend time with him and work alongside him.”<\/p>\n
A memorial service will be held later in the year.<\/p>\n