The Swiss bank's incoming boss' send-off at ING was full of ribbing, some tears – and a reminder that he sets «hysterically» tight deadline targets.
Ralph Hamers' seven-year tenure running Amsterdam-based ING was marked by highs – paying back a Dutch crisis-era rescue package, digitizing the bank dramatically – and lows – an $875 million money laundering fine in 2018 as well as, reportedly, a botched Dutch-Belgian merger.
His ING colleagues compiled a 20-minute video which – despite being the product of corporate public relations – is worthwhile viewing. Especially for bankers at UBS, where Hamers joins in eight weeks and then takes over as CEO from Sergio Ermotti on November 1.
The 20-minute farewell (see below) speaks volumes to the culture at ING. Outfitted with sneakers in Holland's signature bright orange, Hamers reminisces while unwrapping several boxes and watching video greetings from his staff.
For those in a rush, hit 4:30, where Hamers' former finance chief Koos Timmermans talks about leaving the boss «more dead than alive» when he was foolish enough to take part in an annual cycling challenge; to 9:34, where ING digital and platforms boss Dorothy Hill talks about how «my first reaction was to laugh, and I mean hysterically» at a mid-term planning target – and grab your tissues for 16:19, where Hamers' wife Patricia Hamers, whom he met at the bank, makes an appearance.
