Union Bancaire Privée has hired Richard Wohanka, former chief executive of Fortis Investment Management, as the chief executive of the bank’s new asset management and alternative investments division.

Wohanka (pictured) also becomes a member of the bank’s executive committee.
 
“We are pleased that Richard Wohanka is joining UBP.” says Guy de Picciotto, chief executive of UBP. “His global vision, his management skills and his long experience in international finance and asset management are a major advantage for our development strategy.”
 
UBP Asset Management now has four activities: institutional asset management; the sale and distribution of products; alternative asset management; and long-only funds. These changes are in line with the new international economic and financial environment and the bank’s strategic development, which demands greater integration of its global activities. 
 
Wohanka has more than 25 years of experience in asset management. He was chief executive of Fortis Investment Management from 2001 to 2009 and chief executive of WestLB Asset Management from 1997 to 2001. Previously, he worked for 13 years at Paribas, three of which as chief executive of asset management.
 
Christophe Bernard, UBP’s chief investment officer, and André Gigon, head of institutional clients and product distribution, will report directly to Wohanka.