Celebrating their annual Founder’s Day this week, the community of Robert Gordon’s College welcomed award winning chief executive officer Martin Gilbert, Class of ’73 and son Jamie, Class of ‘04 to deliver the annual orations.
This is the first time that a father and son have been the orators on the same day.
Martin Gilbert, co-CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen PLC, returned to Aberdeen to speak to S2-S6 pupils about his fascinating career which has this year seen him merge, Aberdeen Asset Management, the international investment company he co-founded in 1983, with Standard Life. In his school days the successful hockey player was a boarder in Sillerton House, and describes himself as a “late developer” when it came to academic study.
Inspiring the next generation, Martin said: “My advice would be to not fear failure and build a good network of people that support you. Embrace every opportunity to make the most of what is available to you. I enjoyed hockey and rugby at school but I also pursued other activities. All these experiences helped me develop the skills which are essential in supporting your overall success.”
Marking a family milestone in the Founder’s Day traditions, son Jamie, Class of ‘04, returned to his Schoolhill roots to speak to the Junior School and S1 pupils. Working largely throughout Africa and South Asia on infrastructure investment Jamie highlighted his journey beyond Gordon’s.
Simon Mills, head of Robert Gordon’s College commented: “We have been privileged to hear Martin and Jamie Gilbert share their significant experiences both in school and beyond with the current pupils. Founder’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to unite and inspire the next generation whilst remembering the mission set out by Robert Gordon encouraging our pupils to be the best they can be.”