Zurich headquartered Falcon Private Bank has appointed Martin Keller as its new CEO effective today. Keller's appointment is part of the bank's turnaround plan and comes ahead of the rebranding that it will launch in October this year. Keller takes on the role from former CEO Walter Berchtold who will stay on for a short transition period, said the bank in a press release.
Martin Keller, born 1967, has been a member of the Board of Directors of Falcon Private Bank since March 2017. His career in banking and finance spans over 25 years and was focused on asset management, capital markets and wealth management. Most recently he was CEO of Asset Management for EMEA at Credit Suisse. His prior positions include Head Institutional Clients for Europe and North America for Man Investments, Global Head Hedge Fund Investments at Deutsche Bank Wealth Management and Global Head Prime Brokerage at UBS Warburg. Martin Keller is a graduate of the Swiss Banking School.
Christian Wenger, Chairman of the Board of Directors said: "Martin Keller joined our Board earlier this year. I am very pleased that we are able to recruit a strong CEO from within our ranks and to ensure a smooth handover. Martin has a successful track record in the areas that are of highest importance for our clients."
He added that Walter Berchtold took charge at a critical moment for the Bank. "Thanks to his knowhow, commitment and decisive action, we have been able to turn around the Bank in a short period of time and to position it for future growth. We are grateful to Walter for his service, sincerely thank him for his work, and wish him all the best for the future."
Wenger also announced that he would step down as Chairman following the CEO change. His successor will be appointed in due course and he will will ensure a smooth handover to the new Chairman until later in the fourth quarter.
Martin Keller, new CEO of Falcon Private said: "I am very much looking forward to leading Falcon Private Bank and to work with excellent colleagues. Walter Berchtold and Christian Wenger have been vital in repositioning the Bank. Now, we can build on their work and seize very attractive opportunities, such as leveraging digital technologies for wealth management and providing bespoke solutions for our clients. I am particularly looking forward to the launch of our new market positioning, scheduled for October."