Every year, Natixis Investment Managers invites clients and friends to a Thanksgiving dinner in Zurich. This tradition has been meticulously maintained over the past eight years by Swiss Chairman and Co-Head of Switzerland, Timo Paul.

It was therefore quite surprising when this week’s invitation for November 28 was signed by Robert Pavic Urbas, Head of Wholesale for German-speaking Switzerland.

Sudden Departure

The reason: Timo Paul will be leaving the company in the coming months, as confirmed by Natixis Investment Managers in response to finews.com’s inquiry. Paul himself was unavailable for comment. According to the media department, he is departing to «pursue other career opportunities.»

While speculation about his departure is inevitable, we will avoid it here. What is certain is that the Natixis Group has undergone several personnel changes and reorganizations this year, some of which have impacted the Swiss office.

Headhunter Searching for Successor

According to finews.com, several professionals in Switzerland were contacted by Magellan Advisory Partners, an executive search and consulting firm, regarding the key role at Natixis Investment Managers. Apparently, the firm is not considering any internal candidates for this position. Natixis Investment Managers currently employs approximately ten people in Switzerland, with operations in Zurich and Geneva.

With Timo Paul’s departure, the company is losing a heavyweight in the local asset management scene. After nearly ten years at UBS Asset Management as Head of Distribution for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and five years prior as Head of Sales at Credit Suisse Asset Management, he brings a wealth of expertise that has been pivotal for the success of Natixis Investment Managers in Switzerland.

Given his impressive track record, it will be intriguing to see where he makes his next appearance in the industry.