UBS announces appointment of Ralph Hamers as Group CEO

The Board of Directors of UBS Group AG has named Ralph Hamers as its new Group Chief Executive Officer and President of the Executive Board of UBS AG. The appointment of Hamers, who is currently CEO of ING Group, is effective November 1, 2020.

Mr Hamers joined ING Group in 1991. During his successful career, he took a series of roles across business segments and geographies before becoming CEO in 2013. Under his leadership, ING Group has implemented a fundamental shift in its operating model and is now considered one of the best examples of digital innovation in the banking sector.

Mr Hamers holds a Master of Science in Business Econometrics and Operations Research from Tilburg University in the Netherlands and is Chairman of the European Banking Group, the leading European banking association.

Hamers commented on his appointment:

“I’m honored by the opportunity to lead this great institution. I have long admired the firm’s transformation under the leadership of Axel and Sergio. The firm has an outstanding global client franchise across its business divisions, all of which are underpinned by the incredibly strong UBS brand. I’m looking forward to working with the senior management team, the Board of Directors and all of UBS’s employees to further strengthen the franchise and serve UBS’s clients to achieve their goals.”

Sergio P. Ermotti said, “It has been a privilege to lead UBS. I’d like to thank all my colleagues, past and present, for their dedication to serving our clients and making UBS what it is today. After nearly a decade as CEO, now is the right time to write my next chapter. UBS is in great shape, enjoys maximum strategic flexibility and is well positioned for sustainable growth. In the months ahead, my colleagues and I will continue to execute our strategy and deliver against our ambitious targets, and we look forward to working with Ralph to ensure a seamless transition.”