Lombard Odier became the latest Swiss private bank to poach an executive from the luxury goods industry, hiring a former Chanel executive. The move underscores efforts to more effectively woo wealthy clients.
The Geneva-based private bank said it is hiring Josephine Verine as Chief Operating Officer of marketing, effective Nov. 15. Verine was most recently managing director of Chanel's haute couture division.
The appointment is noteworthy because it underscores that the 220-year-old firm, which has struggled with high-profile departures and with its strategy recently, is seeking to mint its exclusive cachet.
«Josephine Verine brings to Lombard Odier her valuable expertise and sensibility to luxury clients’ relationship management and service,» the bank said in a statement.
Luxury Cachet
Edmond Rothschild is another bank which is attempting to make better use of its exclusivity and brand, hiring a prominent BNP Paribas banker recently.
The hire of Verine is also significant because she is the latest prominent hire from the luxury goods industry: in September, Julius Baer hired a former Tiffany executive as its new marketing chief.
Verine had previously worked in senior marketing, communication and retail roles for Dior, Celine, Armani, and Louis Vuitton. Her responsibilities will include ensuring marketing and project management run smoothly across the bank's units, and she will also oversee events, publications, editorial content and client experience, Lombard Odier said in a statement.
Verine, who will be based at Lombard Odier's Geneva headquarters, will report to Fabio Mancone, Lombard Odier's chief branding officer.
