The Swedish top banker was a member of the illustrious circle of partners at Geneva-based private bank Lombard Odier for many years. Annika Falkengren is now joining the board of directors at Zurich-based rival Vontobel.
Vontobel’s board of directors has put forward Kristine Braden (bottom photo), Annika Falkengren and Mary Pang (bottom photo) for election to the board, according to a press release from the Zurich-based investment firm on Friday. The three new appointments will be submitted to the shareholders for approval at the annual general meeting on April 9.
It is also reported that previous committee members Clara Streit and Michael Halbherr have decided not to stand for re-election due to other professional commitments.
Many Prominent Figures
With the announced trio, Vontobel chairman Andreas Utermann is bringing in a number of prominent figures from the world of finance. Both Falkengren and Braden are also making a return to the Swiss financial center.
Falkengren was managing partner at Lombard Odier from 2017 to 2023. Her arrival in Geneva was considered a coup at the time. Before joining the private banking group, Falkengren had a very successful 10 years as CEO of Sweden’s Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB). However, the now 62-year-old was nearing the age limit for Lombard Odier partners, while Vontobel apparently has no such concerns.
Incisive Commentator
(Image: Vontobel)
The Swede, who still lives in Geneva, is also very well connected in the European economy, having sat on the boards of car manufacturer Volkswagen and reinsurer Munich Re.
Braden also needs no introduction to the Swiss Banking world. As former country head of major U.S. bank Citigroup, the American was the first woman on the board of the Swiss Bankers Association, as well as vice president of the Association of Foreign Banks in Switzerland and an active member of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, and was regarded as an incisive commentator on Swiss finance.
Her stellar career at Citigroup led most recently to the position of head of the U.S. bank’s European subsidiary.
Best Wall Street Connections
(Image: Vontobel)
Pang also brings a Wall Street network with her to Vontobel. She previously ran the wealthy private clients and family offices practice at well-known U.S.-based investment firm Cambridge Associates. Prior to this, Pang – who holds both a U.S. and a British passport – worked among others at J.P. Morgan Private Bank and U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs.
The changes to Vontobel’s board also now need to be approved by the regulator.
