Shortly after its launch, Bank Cler already has to replace its CEO after Hanspeter Ackermann jumped ship. The bank formerly known as Bank Coop has appointed an experienced female executive to lead the bank.
Hanspeter Ackermann (pictured below) was the figurehead of the fledgling Bank Cler until only a few days ago. Now, very abruptly, he’s decided to leave the bank.
Bank Cler is a relaunch of what was known as Bank Coop and belongs to Basler Kantonalbank (BKB).
Differences of Opinion
Ackermann is leaving due to differences of opinion about the management of the bank, Bank Cler said in a statement. Ackermann had joined what was then called Bank Coop in early 2015. He was the driving force behind the rebranding effort and initiation of a digital strategy.
Sandra Lienhart has been appointed to take over as CEO with immediate effect. She was in charge of distribution and a member of the executive since 2004.
Further Appointments
Lienhart has an Executive Master of Business Administration ZFH from University of Applied Science in Business Administration Zurich and University of Darden, U.S.
The new CEO’s current deputy at the distribution division, Daniel Rueegger, will assume temporary charge of her dossier and take a seat on the executive board. Rene Saluz, head of finance and risk, will take a seat on the BKB board, also ad interim.
Lienhart will assume the role as deputy head of the executive board of BKB, in line with the company rules.
New Digital Unit
Bank Cler said it intended to create a new unit for digital banking projects and measures. The division will advance the transformation of the business, develop and implement new digital business and sales strategies, and keep an eye on maintaining cohesion between the new digital approaches with the strengths of the bank’s current business strategy.
The board will appoint an expert to lead this new division and offer him or her a seat on the executive board.
