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

What do you do first in the morning?

On weekdays my alarm goes off at 5:15 a.m. After shaving and showering, I have an espresso and read the latest news in the FT, on CNN, and in the NZZ. Then I head to the office.

What is the best thing about your job?

The daily engagement with clients and their diverse challenges.

A moment that changed your life?

There were several. One defining moment was certainly the early death of my father and having to take on responsibility at a young age.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

At home we have a Mini and a Mercedes GLE, both with all-wheel drive, since we often drive into the Davos mountains.

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

Keep learning - both formally and practically - nurture your friendships and relationships, think long term, and enjoy life.

What are you particularly proud of?

Above all. I am grateful that the important professional and personal decisions I made turned out to be the right ones.

How do you deal with doubts?

I engage in intensive discussions with friends and knowledgeable people.

What is your favorite wine?

I enjoy varietal wines - for example Pinot Noir and elegant Chardonnays from the Bündner Herrschaft and Burgundy.

What projects are you currently working on?

Alongside my ongoing responsibilities of continuously optimizing our organizational structure and driving the development and growth of our markets, my focus is on the constant automation and digitalization of our services - while maintaining our successful personal client advisory model.

What do you admire about other people?

I admire the everyday heroes who dedicate themselves daily to their families, their jobs, and their communities, and who take on responsibility.

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

I’m not sure. I myself was surprised during my first weeks as CEO by the sheer variety of issues and the number of decisions to be made.

What is your personal drive?

The joy of problem-solving. I find it rewarding to structure complex challenges, develop feasible solutions, and create added value for our clients.

What are you afraid of?

I am concerned about the growing debt levels of many  countries, particularly in Europe. This is the result of a lack of political will to confront and solve problems directly, instead of simply covering them with money. Future generations will have to pay the price.

Your favorite watch brand?

I have a special fondness for watches with history – for example, the Omega Speedmaster « Moonwatch » or the TAG Heuer Monaco, famously worn by Steve McQueen in «Le Mans».

Do you have an unfulfilled dream you would still like to pursue?

I am a great fan of train journeys. I still have a few dreams - such as traveling from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam.

Your best investment?

It was a cask of Springbank Single Malt Whisky that I bought with a firend in the 1990s after finishing university for a low four-figure amount. We recently sold it for a handsome five-figure sum.

Christian Lyk is Partner and CEO of the KENDRIS Group as well as Responsible Officer FATCA. He has extensive experience in regulatory and compliance matters and specializes in international financial, tax, estate planning, and family office services for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs). His career has taken him from a law firm to a Big Four company in a senior tax advisory role, and for over 20 years now to KENDRIS—first as Head of Tax, later as Office Managing Partner.