Founder of fund data platform Kneip, Bob Kneip. is stepping down from his role as chairman of the board, after leading the data management platform for 26 years.

It has named Hugues Delcourt as its new chairman, with the Mr Kneip moving to the role of vice-chairman. He has decided to take a step back as the industry continues to evolve, and will now spend more time focusing on his passion for arts and charities, alongside selected independent board memberships. He will continue to be Kneip’s main shareholder .

Mr Delcourt has 30 years of experience in the banking industry across Europe and Asia, working for global institutions such as Indosuez, ABN AMBRO and UBS. Most recently, he was group chief executive officer of Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, a position he held for five years.

As chairman of the board, he will provide guidance and support to the executive leadership team, headed up by chief executive officer Neil Ward. Kneip believe that Mr Delcourt will help the company navigate industry challenges as its team expands its offering in markets across EMEA and APAC.

Commenting on the changes, Mr Kneip said: “To disrupt, you have to disrupt yourself. I am very pleased that Hugues accepted my invitation to become the new Chairman of Kneip. Over the years, I have learned to appreciate his independence of thought, human values, rigour in execution, vision of the financial sector as well as his global experience and network. Hugues shares our vision to build the fund data management institution of the future. Together with Neil and a supportive and strong leadership team, he will contribute to reinforce our global leadership in the investment fund industry."

Neil Ward, chief executive officer of Kneip, added: “Transforming Kneip to become a world class digital fund data management company has been our goal. Two years of radical change now leaves us on the edge of a significant opportunity to service clients more efficiently and with agility. Hugues arrival as chairman is welcome, timely and pivotal to our ability to scale the business towards global status, building on Kneip’s long heritage to date. Clients, Kneipiens and shareholders should be very reassured that Kneip has secured such a high-profile successor to our benefactor Bob Kneip. Welcome Hugues”