Dominique Gerster, a seasoned communications expert with nearly two decades of experience at Switzerland’s major banks, will join Zurich-based consulting firm IRF as a partner in November 2024, the company announced on Tuesday.

Drawing from his extensive background in corporate communications, Gerster will advise companies, institutions, and executives on developing strategic communication solutions to tackle complex challenges and capitalize on public relations opportunities.

Expertise in Crisis Management

«My passion and expertise are in helping businesses and leaders at every level – from department heads to board chairs – enhance their public profiles and deliver strategic messages with precision and purpose,» Gerster stated. «In crisis or legal disputes, I’m dedicated to ensuring stakeholders' positions are clearly articulated and visible in the public arena.»

Gerster brings over 20 years of corporate communications experience. Most recently, he led global communications for Wealth Management at Credit Suisse (2021–2024) and previously managed communications for the Swiss home market (2017–2021) as a member of the extended executive board of Credit Suisse Switzerland. During the tumultuous pandemic year of 2020, he successfully co-led the global communications team through unprecedented challenges.

Challenging Years

Prior to his time at CS, Gerster worked at rival bank UBS, where he held various leadership roles in corporate communications (2005–2015). He began his professional career as a freelance journalist (1998–2002) at Tamedia (now TX Group) and as a PR consultant at the Zurich-based Wirz Group (2002–2005). He holds a Master's degree in Law from the Universities of Zurich and Siena (2002) and will complete a part-time Executive MBA program at the University of St. Gallen in early 2025.

«In the challenging years leading up to the UBS takeover, Gerster and his team at Credit Suisse handled extraordinary tasks that pushed the boundaries of even the most seasoned communications professionals,» said Martin Meier Pfister, co-founder and partner at IRF.