He no longer holds a formal role at Credit Suisse, but Gut is far from a doddering old-timer. In 48 years, he has built up an extraordinary network of power brokers in Switzerland's business elite, and not been shy about pulling levers within Credit Suisse to further his interests.

Symbolic Public Welcome

Rarely seen in public, Gut appeared at the 2015 press conference where Rohner presented Thiam as Credit Suisse's new CEO. In a move heavy with symbolism, Gut personally welcomed Thiam to the Swiss bank (pictured below) as outgoing CEO Brady Dougan, blindsided by the move, stood by.

The election of Alexander Gut (pictured below) to Credit Suisse's board also carries the imprint of his famous father: the younger Gut stood as a director three years ago, and won handily. The now 56-year-old corporate finance banker had already sat on prominent boards including that of cement giant LafargeHolcim by that time.

Helpful Family Ties

He had also accumulated banking experience at KPMG and EY, where he worked as an auditor and consultant. But his 2016 election at Credit Suisse certainly wasn't hurt by his prominent family ties.

Alexander Gut is emerging as a candidate to succeed Rohner – alongside Ulrich Koerner, (pictured above), as finews.com reported last month. While Koerner, a cerebral former consultant, aces the formal requirements for the job, he has little of the charm of UBS Chairman Axel Weber, for example.

Father's Mantle

Gut, people familiar with the situation report, is also being suggested to succeed Rohner. To be sure, Rainer Gut is far too sly to attempt to install his son in the chairman's seat. The notion of the younger Gut taking his father's mantle is a deeply unpopular one within Credit Suisse, which prides itself on meritocracy.

The Swiss bank should attempt a fresh start under a credible and untainted chairman, is the conventional wisdom. It is apparent that forces within Credit Suisse could vault either the CEO or the chairman out of their jobs. The race for Rohner's job represents a power play of various parties and interest groups – and one in which Rainer Gut wants a say.