Aberdeen has poached a key director from its rival Henderson Global Investors to manage its UK property business.

Andrew Creighton, UK property director at Henderson, is to take up his position in Autumn 2012 as managing director of UK property with Aberdeen.

During his 12 years at Henderson, Creighton managed the company’s Caspar fund, the majority of which it put up for sale last week, and was involved in the fund manager’s strategy to set up a debt fund to lend to property.

Mike Sales, managing director and chief investment officer of Henderson Global Property, said: “We can confirm that Andrew Creighton, director of property, portfolio management for Henderson’s £12.5 billion property business, has resigned.

“Andrew has accepted a position with Aberdeen Property Investors as managing director, property UK. Andrew plans to work out his full notice period before starting his new position in Autumn 2012. Andrew is a good friend and leaves with our very best wishes for the future and a big thank you for his commitment to our property business over the past 12 years. He has made a significant contribution to the business over that time.”