Geneva-based Pictet has chosen someone from its own ranks to head its Swiss-German private clients as it heightens its focus on the German-speaking region, finews.com reveals.
Pictet is appointing Verena Gross to head the Swiss-German Market and join the bank's private wealth management’s executive board, effective July 2023, according to information obtained by finews.com.
Gross will replace Victor Aerni, who is moving to Singapore to become the CEO of Pictet Wealth Management in Asia, as finews.com previously reported.
The private bank also announced that Michael Syz will become Gross’ deputy.
Gross, who has been with Pictet Wealth Management in Zurich for 13 years, was a team leader in private banking for Pictet’s Swiss-German market.
Prior to joining Pictet, Gross worked in Goldman Sachs’ investment management division in Zurich for four years, covering the ultra-high net worth market in Switzerland and Europe.
Deputy From a Banking Dynasty
Before joining Pictet in 2001, Syz worked for Schroders’ private banking offices in Zurich and London and in Citibank’s corporate banking division in Switzerland. He is a half-brother to Eric Syz from the Zurich-based banking dynasty by the same name.
Leaving For Singapore
Aerni is an equity partner of the Pictet Group and has been with Pictet since April 2009. During this time, he has helped turn the bank into a leading asset manager in German-speaking Switzerland and significantly expanded the business in the region, according to the firm.
Before joining Pictet, Aerni worked for Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
