Asset management company Standard Life has announced David Nish will be stepping into the shoes of chief executive as of next year. Currently finance director, having been so since November 2006, he will be taking the place of Sir Sandy Crombie following an 'extensive worldwide search' by its chairman Gerry Grimstone. The appointment has been approved by City watchdog the Financial Services Authority, and comes at the same time the FSA has announced it will be vetting senior financial executive appointments. Nish has held senior roles, including finance director at Scottish Power and acting executive director of the infrastructure division. He was also previously a partner at Price Waterhouse. 'We have built a strong, resilient and successful business. In these challenging markets, it is vital that we maintain the momentum we have built and I am very much looking forward to taking over from Sir Sandy to lead the company to what I hope will be even greater future success,' he said. Crombie said he will continue to work with Nish until he takes up his role in January.