Leadership qualities with a human touch: In an exclusive interview Patrick Odier tells finews.asia why he chose Alexandre Zeller as a new partner for Swiss wealth manager Lombard Odier.
Patrick Odier, why did you decide on Alexandre Zeller as a partner?
The personell planning of our partnership is a continuing priority. In Alexandre Zeller, we saw a fantastic opportunity. He knows our core business, wealth management, like the back of his hand and also has technical experience which will be decisive in digitizing our G2 platform.
How do you know Alexandre Zeller?
Originally from several industry bodies like the Swiss Bankers Association. He’s also «Romande», a native of western Switzerland, and used to be the CEO of Banque Cantonale Vaudoise and later the CEO of HSBC’s Swiss private bank in Geneva – so we always ran into each other as «friendly» competitors. He also sat on the board of Lombard Odier’s Swiss bank from 2014 until 2016.
Zeller joins in place of Hugo Baenziger, who left at the end of last year. Did you look at other candidates?
No. When we learned that Alexandre Zeller was available, it was a logical move for us.
How long did it take to find an agreement?
Not long. In reality, it was like a reflex.
Alexandre Zeller will primarily be responsible for the bank’s tech platform. What kind of revenue are you earning with this division?
We don’t disclose that. Our strategy aims to bring several partners to the table with the goal of substantially lowering costs for everyone involved. Currently, we have 12 banks involved, including Luxembourg’s KBL Group, Belgian Degroof Petercam or most recently Banque Syz; several investment vehicles and other pension firms are also attached.
Does Lombard Odier want more?
Before we «onboard» more firms, we want to take the time to consolidate the platform and ensure that we can meet expectations. We’re not looking to bolster volume. We’re pursuing a strategy of quality instead.
Are you looking to add bankers to your partnership?
Succession and fostering younger talents is a constant task, but with Alexandre Zeller joining us we don’t have an immediate need, especially since he will reinforce our development strategy in Zurich. He currently works there, was on the board of Credit Suisse until recently, and is very connected to the city. He will help us to enliven our branch in Zurich.
What personally was the trigger for you to bring Alexandre Zeller on board as a partner?
He was the same values as we do. We has broad experience with several banks, and he understands how to combine leadership qualities with the human factor.
Patrick Odier is the senior partner of Lombard Odier, the Swiss private bank co-founded by his family in 1796. He joined Lombard Odier in 1986, and spent seven years as chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association.
