Bernhard Hodler, who many thought was a stop-gap safe pair of hands until Julius Baer found a «real» CEO, can now stake his claim in shaping the bank's next chapter.
Addressing Julius Baer shareholders in Zurich chairman Daniel Sauter said Hodler was appointed by the board of directors to guide the destiny of Julius Baer in the years ahead.
Hodler, who moved up to replace Boris Collardi after the sudden departure of the charismatic CEO of Julius Baer in November 2017, also won praise from his chairman for taking on the role of CEO without hesitation.
Asian Worry
In his address Hodler re-emphasized Julius Baer's commitment to Asia, the region the bank calls its second home and which accounts for around a quarter of the group’s total assets under management.
He was quick to point out the recent establishment of a joint venture in Thailand clinched under his leadership. Julius Baer and Siam Commercial Bank, or SCB, will establish a joint venture with the Swiss bank providing advice and solutions to the ultra-high net worth customers of the Thai partner.
Asia as well as being the fastest growing wealth region should be Hodler's chief worry. It is the geography where the bank is most vulnerable to former chief Collardi picking off clients and their assets.
