Heinz Huber, the current CEO of Raiffeisen Bank, will be stepping down from his position at the end of the year. This will bring about a significant leadership change for the St. Gallen-based banking institution.
Huber will be transitioning to the role of Chairman at Graubünden Kantonalbank (GKB) starting in July 2025. Raiffeisen Bank will now need to find a new leader to guide the cooperative banking group, which consists of approximately 220 Raiffeisen banks and employs over 11,000 individuals.
During this transition period, Christian Poerschke, the Head of Finance & Services and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board, will serve as the interim CEO.
Under Huber's leadership, Raiffeisen Bank has experienced a significant recovery, with net income rising to CHF 1.39 billion last year, a substantial improvement from the CHF 540.8 million net profit recorded in fiscal 2018. Huber's strategic leadership has been credited with stabilizing the institution and restoring investor confidence. He brings valuable experience from his previous role as CEO of Thurgau Cantonal Bank.
Raiffeisen Bank now faces the challenge of finding a successor who can maintain the momentum of growth and navigate the competitive banking landscape in Switzerland. The new CEO will need to address operational challenges and meet the expectations of stakeholders. The interim leadership of Christian Poerschke will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in the bank's strategic initiatives.
Raiffeisen Bank also continues to deal with the aftermath of the Vincenz scandal, with ongoing legal proceedings and the need to prioritize transparency and accountability to regain trust among customers and investors.
Heinz Huber's upcoming role as Chairman of Graubünden Kantonalbank is seen as a strategic move, given his extensive experience and established reputation in the banking sector. His appointment follows the decision of Peter Fanconi not to seek re-election. The GKB has faced challenges related to a significant loan extended to René Benko's collapsing Signa real estate group, which has raised questions about governance and risk management. Huber's leadership will be pivotal in addressing these concerns and steering GKB towards a more stable and transparent operational framework.
Both Raiffeisen Bank and Graubünden Kantonalbank will need to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory environments as the financial landscape continues to evolve.