A significant share of Pictet’s employees joined the Swiss pure-play only after the start of the Covid pandemic, especially in Asia.

«It is true for the whole group, but even more so in Asia, that a good number of our employees have joined us since the COVID-19 pandemic started,» said Pictet managing partner François Pictet in a recent online post detailing the ninth-generation family member’s extended visit to Asia this year.

According to the bank, around 2,500 employees joined the group globally in the past five years, accounting for half of the overall headcount of 5,000. This compares to the total headcount of 4,220 in end-2017.

«With the global pandemic, and fewer opportunities to interact with our new colleagues in person, it has been more challenging to convey our corporate culture and our principles throughout the group,» Pictet explained. «At the same time, we need to maintain a strong link with Geneva. While we have developed a fairly diverse global footprint, we are still an organization that is somewhat Geneva-centric. This is part of the reason of why I am here.»

Regional Visit

Managing partner Pictet first arrived in Asia at the bank’s Singapore office in August following a visit to Jakarta in the previous month. In November, he will visit Tokyo to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pictet Asset Management Japan as well as Hong Kong.

Other locations on Pictet’s wish list include mainland China, Taiwan, Philippines and Malaysia.

Ambassador for Asia

According to Pictet, he hopes to achieve three goals during his trip to Asia: get to know colleagues better, further develop the Asia strategy and be a «better ambassador for Asia» at the board of partners. 

«Asia is almost half of the world's population, and with many growing economies. It's an exciting and very vibrant part of the world and definitely a large opportunity for us,» he said. 

First Impressions of Singapore

On a lighter note, the post also touched on Pictet’s view on Singapore from a lifestyle perspective. 

«Hot and humid. Good for children. There are plenty of activities for them – aquariums, zoo, Sentosa Island, beaches, pools, all the things that children love,» he remarked. 

«It also has a great food scene and a very good platform to travel in the region or around Southeast Asia. The most local food I had was probably Hainan Chicken Rice. It was good. I would like to try the chili crab next!»