In a move overtly stated to be aimed at making the group’s voice heard in the political and public arenas and to “actively contribute to decision-making processes,” Swiss private banking group Julius Baer has hired Georg Hess as head public affairs with effect from 1 October 2010.

This newly-created role will reinforce the "efforts of the executive board and the board of directors to support the formation of political opinion."

Mr Hess has been a member of the cantonal government of the canton of Schwyz since 2000 and became president of the government on 1 July 2008. He has managed its finance department since 2002. He announced his resignation from his political posts on 9 February 2010.

Chairman of the board of directors Raymond Baer said: "We want to cultivate an even more active dialogue with political decision-makers and to help shape the framework conditions for the Swiss financial centre."

Julius Baer has 15 branches in Switzerland, including those in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Berne, St Moritz and Lausanne.