The former HSBC CEO left Europe's largest bank in April. His own tenure saw the Hong Kong/London-listed bank make a number of major moves, including a pivot towards Asia. Julius Baer's new CEO took up his post in January, filling a vacancy after a predecessor left following major losses.

Julius Baer, which recently installed a new CEO and has been working to improve its fortunes, has recommended former HSBC chief executive Noel Quinn (main picture) as its next chairman.

"The board of directors of Julius Baer Group will nominate Noel Quinn as new non-executive chairman for election to the board at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 10 April 2025," the bank said in a statement on Friday.

Quinn left HSBC, the UK/Hong Kong-listed banking group, last April. His tenure coincided with a significant pivot towards its Asian market, while paring back on exposures in markets such as the US. 

“We are delighted that Noel Quinn will become our next chairman, subject to approval by our shareholders at the upcoming AGM. Noel’s appointment is a testament to the strength of the Julius Baer franchise, he is an exceptional candidate who brings an international mindset and strong cultural values to the role. His expertise will be an invaluable addition to the board as we enter a new phase of the company’s growth and development," Richard Campbell-Breeden, vice chairman of the board of directors and chair of the nomination and compensation committee of Julius Baer, said.

Romeo Lacher, current chairman, will not be standing for re-election at the annual general meeting in April.

Stefan Bollinger (pictured below), formerly of Goldman Sachs, took up his post in January. He filled the CEO role vacated earlier in 2024 by the exit of Philipp Rickenbacher, following heavy losses sustained by the bank from loans to a conglomerate.

Stefan Bollinger

"Having spent over 37 years in the international financial services sector, I am looking forward to working with the board and management team to capitalise on the many exciting opportunities ahead of us," Quinn said in a statement yesterday. 

As reported here, the bank made a number of senior management changes. In early February, Julius Baer boosted its cost-cutting 2023-25 programme. The lender also reduced its board by 15 members to five and announced full-year financial figures that reportedly disappointed forecasts.