Christophe Bernard appointed new Chief Strategist of the Vontobel Group and Head of the Balanced/Multi Asset Class Boutique

Vontobel has appointed Christophe Bernard as the Group's new Chief Strategist and as Head of the newly created Balanced/Multi Asset Class (MAC) Boutique in Asset Management, effective 1 March 2012. The French national, aged 47, is joining the Zurich-based private bank from Union Bancaire Privée (UBP), where he held a similar position.

As part of its multi-boutique strategy, Vontobel Asset Management is combining its existing expertise in the areas Balanced and MAC to create a single unit with 20 investment specialists and CHF 10 billion of client assets. Zeno Staub, CEO of the Vontobel Group, views the appointment of Christophe Bernard as a sign of the new reality in the finance industry, explaining: "In periods of low returns, high volatility and strong correlations between markets, it is important to re-examine and realign traditional investment strategies. We want to move ahead intensively with this process in the coming months with the support of Christophe Bernard." Axel Schwarzer, Head of Vontobel Asset Management, added: "With the appointment of Christophe Bernard, we are gaining a proven investment expert with a wealth of experience. He will build up the newly created Balanced/MAC Boutique and implement a modern investment strategy that reflects the new reality in the capital markets." Vontobel is executing this structural realignment in order to offer both institutional and private clients access to the full range of asset classes through outcome-driven and client risk-based asset allocation.

In view of this structural realignment, the present Chief Strategist Thomas Steinemann has decided to pursue a new professional challenge outside the Vontobel Group. The Group Executive Management wishes to express its considerable thanks to Thomas Steinemann for his excellent service over the last 11 years.

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