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Boris Collardi's impact on Pictet and beyond is a remarkable story of leadership and innovation. He joined Pictet in 2006 and became its CEO in 2008.
During his tenure as CEO, Collardi successfully transformed Pictet into a leading global wealth manager. Under his leadership, the company expanded its presence in key markets and strengthened its investment capabilities.
Collardi's vision for Pictet was centered around creating a more agile and client-centric organization. He implemented a new operating model that allowed the company to respond quickly to changing market conditions and client needs.
This transformation enabled Pictet to achieve significant growth and become one of the largest independent wealth managers in the world.
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Boris Collardi's Career
Boris Collardi became CEO of Bank Julius Bär at just 34 years old in May 2009, after the death of CEO Alex W. Widmer.
He held the position of CEO of the bank's parent company, Julius Bär Gruppe AG, from October 2009. His appointment was met with widespread media attention.
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Collardi was six years long the President of the Swiss Banking Association.
In 2010, Julius Bär was named the best private bank in Switzerland by Professional Wealth Management and The Banker, and Collardi was running the bank's global wealth management business alongside other partners.
Collardi joined Pictet in 2018 as a partner, one of only 42 people to ever hold such a position.
Becoming CEO
At just 34 years old, Boris Collardi took on the role of CEO at Julius Bär & Co. AG in May 2009.
After the death of CEO Alex W. Widmer, Collardi's appointment was met with widespread media attention.
He had previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. from 2006 to 2009.
During his time as COO, Collardi was responsible for integrating three private banks acquired from UBS into Julius Bär.
This integration was a significant task, but Collardi was up to the challenge.
By 2010, Julius Bär had been recognized as the best private bank in Switzerland by "Professional Wealth Management" and "The Banker", as well as for its best growth strategy in private banking.
Collardi's leadership and vision had paid off, and he had made a lasting impact on the company.
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Tätigkeit bei Pictet
Boris Collardi joined Pictet as a partner in June 2018.
He was the first outsider to join the bank in almost 20 years and one of only 42 to ever hold this position.
Collardi took on the role of running the bank's global wealth management business alongside other partners.
He chose Pictet over his former employer, Julius Baer, citing his desire to be more of an entrepreneur than an employee.
Collardi's departure from Julius Baer resulted in a significant compensation cut, including not receiving a bonus for 2017 and leaving behind over 7 million francs worth of unvested stock awards.
Pictet's legal structure means Collardi's new compensation plan will likely remain private.
Collardi's extensive experience in Asia made him a good fit for the bank, which has a relatively small presence in the region with US$36 billion AUM.
The bank's need to grow in Asia has been acknowledged, and Collardi's appointment has sparked speculation about potential poaching of employees and client assets from his former employer.
Notable Events
Boris Collardi's career is marked by several notable events. He served as the CEO of Julius Baer Group Ltd. from 2009 to 2017.
Boris Collardi led Julius Baer through a period of significant growth and expansion. The bank's assets under management increased from CHF 150 billion to over CHF 400 billion during his tenure.
Collardi's leadership also saw Julius Baer expand its presence in Asia, with the opening of new offices in key markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
Acquisition von Merrill
Julius Bär's acquisition of Merrill Lynch was a significant milestone in the company's history. They acquired the international business of Merrill Lynch in 2012 for around 720 million francs, adding assets worth approximately 60 billion francs to their portfolio.
This acquisition was the largest of its kind in the private banking sector in the preceding decade. It was also considered particularly complex, leading some to question whether it would be a success for Julius Bär and Collardi.
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The acquisition of Merrill Lynch, along with other banks (GPS Brazil, NSC Asesores in Mexico, Leumi Schweiz, Commerzbank Luxembourg), and organic growth, contributed to a significant increase in managed assets. Between 2009 and 2017, the managed assets grew from 154 billion to 388 billion francs.
Collardi's vision for Asia as a key market for Julius Bär was a driving force behind this expansion. As a result, the company's presence in Asia was substantially strengthened.
Banker's Past Raises Tensions at Pictet
In 2020, André Collardi's past caught up with him, and he became the subject of criticism due to potential money laundering and an investigation by the financial regulator.
Collardi's resignation from Pictet in August 2021 was a result of this ongoing scrutiny.
Alexander Classen Elected to EFG Board
Alexander Classen has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Directors at EFG International.
He was elected to the position effective 01 November 2022, and will hold it until the end of the next Annual General Meeting, expected to take place in April 2023.
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Alexander Classen and Boris Collardi were elected as new members of the Board of Directors at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of EFG International.
Boris Collardi will serve as a non-independent Board member.
Alexander Classen and Boris Collardi were elected to the Board of Directors for a term of office until the end of the next Annual General Meeting in April 2023.
The election of Alexander Classen and Boris Collardi as new members of the Board of Directors was approved by EFG International's shareholders at the EGM.
Auszeichnungen
Boris Collardi has received numerous accolades for his leadership in private banking.
In 2012, he was voted "Best Leader in Private Banking" by the Financial-Times publication "Professional Wealth Management".
This recognition highlights his expertise and success in the field.
Collardi's dedication to private banking has earned him a reputation as a top leader.
He was also chosen as the "Topbanker des Jahres" by the Swiss economic magazine Bilanz in 2017.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Collardi
- https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Collardi
- https://menafn.com/1099809816/Star-banker-Boris-Collardis-past-raises-tensions-at-bank-Pictet
- https://www.infobae.com/en/2021/01/21/ex-julius-baer-ceo-collardi-reprimanded-in-laundering-probe/
- https://www.hubbis.com/news/alexander-classen-and-boris-collardi-elected-to-efg-international-s-board-of-directors
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