Oddo BHF is set to strengthen its business in Switzerland, as indicated by the recent appointment of a new Head of Investment Banking. The financial group, which operates in France, Tunisia, Germany, and Switzerland, managing client assets of 140 billion euros with around 3,000 employees, announced the appointment on Thursday.

Effective September 1, Christian Zahn will take over the leadership of Investment Banking and join the group's steering committee. Zahn is currently a partner at McKinsey & Company in Zurich, overseeing the consultancy's Swiss banking and insurance activities. He previously gained investment banking expertise at Deutsche Bank, focusing on corporate finance.

Focus on Corporate Finance and Swiss Market

Zahn's future agenda will focus on expanding the corporate finance platform, particularly mergers and acquisitions, according to the press release. «He will also support the further development of the Swiss business (...) with local teams through his local presence.»

Philippe Oddo, Managing Partner and CEO of Oddo BHF, expressed his enthusiasm for Zahn's appointment: «He will support the development of our equity research and brokerage services and set new ambitions for our corporate finance activities, particularly in M&A advisory services in France, Switzerland, and Germany.»

Entering an Interesting Phase for Investment Banking

Zahn noted that the investment banking sector is poised for an interesting phase in the coming years, offering opportunities, especially in corporate finance advisory for family businesses and their owners.

The outgoing head, Christophe Tadié, will assume responsibility for Risk, Legal, and Compliance, replacing Monika Vicandi, who decided not to renew her board contract for personal reasons.

Oddo BHF aims to grow in the Swiss market and is considering acquisitions to achieve this, as reported by finews.ch. Zahn's appointment aligns with this expansion strategy, which now requires concrete action.