Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What ist he best thing about your job?

Not wo days feel the same! I still really like this variety between routine and flexibility and it’s important for long-term satisfaction.

A moment that changed your life ?

The day I realized that I would be married to the person I love and who is the most important person in my life.

What cars do you drive ? Which is your favorite ?

I own an Audi Q7 Hybrid. I have successfully left my mid-life crisis, including the Porsche 911, behid me. My aspirations have shifted towards family and our children’s education.

What advice woul you give to your 20-year-old self ?

Trust your inner voice and gut feeling even more ! That would have saved my «50-year-old self» and my family a lot. But: alea iacta est and I’m happy.

What are you particularly proud of ?

First and foremost, my family and our solidarity. Professionally, one of my team at Aberdeen and what we have achieved together over the last 6 years.

What was your biggest defeat ?

Many lost tennis match and the professional defeats that are part of life and that make you grow.

What is your favorite wine?

That’s not easy to answer, as I’m currently rediscovering the Austrian Zweigelts. At the moment it is certainly Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia – Bolgheri doc, Onrnellaia.

Are you currently working on a project ?

I’m trying to inspire my inner «me» to do a bit more sport again or to make time for sport.

What is most important to you at the moment?

Professionally, the start of the new year is important for sowing ideas and opportunities so that we can hopefully reap the rewards in the second half oft he year. Privately, I’m currently trying to rekindle my musical side.

What is your favorite fashion brand?

Tom Ford and Drykorn.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day ?

Certainly the complexity and number of decisions to be made. In addition, there is sometimes pressure that is more than just slightly noticeable.

What is your personal drive ?

My wife and children and a handful of friends who always put my point of view into perspective.

What are you afraid of ?

Perhaps suddenly being alone and lonely at some point.

Your favorite watch brand?

Longines.

What do your employees value most about you ?

Probably my «open door & open ear policy». Flat hierarchies are target-oriented paths to joint success.

Your best investment ?

My wife’s wedding ring

Karsten-Dirk Steffens has been Country Head Switzerland and CEO of the Scottish asset manager Aberdeen since October 2019. For over 20 years, the proven industry expert has held senior positions at well-known companies such as Threadneedle, AXA Investment Managers and Aviva. He is an expert in business development in asset management for wholesale and institutional clients.