In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

Mr. Schneider, what do you do first in the morning?

In the morning, I have breakfast with my children. We talk about the hockey results from the night before - my son plays hockey himself - and then I go to work. My wife is a doctor and leaves the house very early. So if I am not traveling, the children and I are on our own in the morning. For me, that is a wonderful way to start the day. Nothing fancy like gymnastics, yoga, or anything like that. I am more of a regular guy.

What is the best thing about your job?

For me, the best thing about my job is that I lead the Portfolio Advisors team while also being able to draw on our research platform and speak directly with clients. In the financial industry, people often do either one or the other: analysts focus on research, while sales takes care of clients. I can combine both. That means I am constantly learning, and that is exactly what makes my job so great.

Another major advantage of my role is its international scope. I can travel from Latin America to the Middle East, where every client is different. Although Switzerland is one of the most international countries in the world anyway.

A moment that changed your life?

When I was 24 and studying law, my father died. After that, I switched from law to economics. That was the starting point of my career in the financial industry. It was the biggest turning point in my life: I left my hometown and later took on international roles again and again. That experience shaped me deeply on a personal level. You realize how short life is, how quickly everything can change, and that you have to learn how to deal with such changes. Ultimately, that path brought me to Switzerland, the best decision of my life.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

We have an Audi Q7 as a family car. When a family is very active in sports, such as skiing and hockey, you need a large trunk for all the gear. With children, however, you sometimes also discover a rotten apple hidden somewhere next to a seat! By the way, I use public transportation to get to work.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

I would tell him that everything happens for a reason. All the experiences and insights you gain at the beginning of your career have value. You can learn something even from the worst boss. Especially at the start of a career, it is easy to become impatient. Many young people ask themselves: "When will I finally be allowed to work directly with clients?" But there is a phase in which the main thing is to learn and do your work well. Anyone who does that consistently builds an excellent foundation for a successful career. That is enormously important.

What are you particularly proud of?

I am particularly proud of what I have achieved in my life. I come from a working-class family. My path was not a given. No one expected me to earn my Matura and study, or to make it onto the first team in sports. That has always motivated me to fight hard for my goals and never give up.

What do you do when you have doubts?

When you are young, you try to solve every problem within a day. But it is much more valuable to pause, think, and put yourself in other people’s shoes. If you want to think strategically, you need to make time for reflection. I often travel with my family to Sylt, our favorite island in Germany. I find it very valuable to calm my mind while looking at the steady movement of the waves.

What is your favorite wine?

Coca-Cola! Seriously: on vacation, I may have a glass of wine once, but my wine cooler mostly contains other drinks. When I do drink wine, I prefer red wine from the New World, such as from Australia or California.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

There is a lot going on at Wellington right now. Across the company, we are focused on implementing our plans and helping our clients navigate an increasingly complex investment environment. One of the most important trends we are seeing is that many of our partners want to achieve more with less. They want to work with fewer providers, but maintain closer and more strategic relationships. That is shifting the conversation from individual products toward broader partnerships.

What do you admire in other people?

I admire resilience, perseverance, and the courage to voice your own opinion, even when it is uncomfortable. Life is not a one-way street. When Phil Knight founded Nike, the company initially faced many obstacles. Still, he kept finding ways to move forward. That is exactly what I admire: fighting for what you want to achieve.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

Although financial markets are unpredictable and fast-moving, the key to success is to remain patient as a long-term investor.

What is your personal drive?

Leading by example and not giving up, even in difficult situations. I try to bring that attitude into both my own life and my children’s lives. It applies to life, to work, to sports - basically everywhere. For example, my son voluntarily took part in a hockey camp during the school holidays that started at 5:45 a.m. That is an important lesson for me: If you want to achieve your goals, you have to work hard for them.

What are you afraid of?

To quote my wife: the ZSC Lions losing a hockey game.

Your favorite watch brand?

Omega.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you still want to realize?

Having dinner with Arnold Schwarzenegger one day. He became my "hero" when I was ten years old. His work ethic, his persistence, and of course his effortless charisma left a lasting impression on me.

Your best investment?

My bookshelves, both physical and digital. Because the key is to keep learning and stay curious.

Oliver Schneider studied economics at the University of Trier. After positions at Deutsche Bank, Union Investment, and IFSAM, he moved to Julius Baer in Zurich in 2011, where he most recently served as Head of Investment Specialists Funds. In 2017, he joined the Swiss branch of Wellington Management as an investment strategist. He later took over as head of Portfolio Advisors for EMEA and Asia Pacific. Since August 2026, he has also been Head of Office.