Heinz Huber has been appointed as the new president of Graubünden Cantonal Bank, effective July 1, 2025. He will succeed Peter A. Fanconi, who has served as the bank's president and chairman of the Bank Council.

This leadership change is part of a structured renewal process that aligns with the guidelines set forth by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and the cantonal corporate governance standards.

Background and Experience

Heinz Huber has a strong background in the financial sector, with experience as the chairman of the executive board of Raiffeisen Switzerland since 2019. He has also held leadership positions at Thurgauer Kantonalbank. Huber began his banking career with an apprenticeship at UBS and has furthered his education with an MBA from the University of Rochester and the University of Bern, as well as advanced education programs at institutions such as Harvard Business School and the University of St. Gallen.

Close Ties to the Graubünden Region

At 60 years old, Huber has close ties to the Graubünden region through his secondary residence, which is expected to enhance his understanding of the community's needs and priorities. The government has expressed confidence in Huber's ability to lead the bank effectively during his term from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029.

Smooth Transition and Strategic Move

Current president Peter A. Fanconi has announced his resignation, effective July 2024, but will remain in his role until the end of June 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. The appointment of Huber is seen as a strategic move to maintain stability and continuity within the bank during this transition period.

Governance Framework and Bank Council

The process of appointing Huber aligns with the established governance framework that governs the operations of cantonal banks in Switzerland. The government is responsible for appointing the Bank Council, which oversees the bank's strategic direction and operational integrity.

Leading the Bank into a New Era

Huber's extensive experience in both traditional banking and strategic oversight positions him well to lead the bank into a new era, balancing innovation with the bank's foundational values of stability and community service. The Graubünden Cantonal Bank's commitment to adhering to regulatory guidelines and corporate governance principles will be crucial as it seeks to enhance its service offerings and maintain its reputation as a trusted financial institution in the region.