In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What do you do first in the morning?

Shortly after my alarm goes off, I check my phone to review key (economic) news and emails, align them with my initial plan for the day, and reprioritise accordingly. My morning routine includes personal messages, a strong moka coffee—just as my Italian grandmother taught me—and a daily podcast from a Swiss German media outlet. On my way to the office, I look forward to checking in with my team to start the day in a structured way.

What is the best part of your job?

As a communications professional, it is certainly the human interaction—both externally with stakeholders and internally with highly skilled and inspiring colleagues. At McKinsey, I am fascinated by how experts tackle complex challenges to help companies remain competitive and future-ready. I learn something new every day. While I was already familiar with financial services from my time at a major bank, I now gain exposure to a wide range of industries, with artificial intelligence being particularly compelling.

A moment that changed your life? 

When I received the offer to work as a news producer for ARD at the UN foreign TV bureau in Geneva. It was a major career opportunity, which is why I did not hesitate for a second to accept, leave Berlin behind and move to Switzerland. The fact that I was able to find a new home in Switzerland makes me incredibly grateful. I quickly got to know and love the country, the people and the culture. On a more philosophical note: reading Christa Wolf’s Cassandra. The life lessons it contains have accompanied me since my school days.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

I am a committed cyclist - in bad weather, I use the tram.

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

Despite studying to become a teacher (French and Protestant theology), to complete internship in the private sector.

What are you particularly proud of?

My team – the topic of «Next Generation» is close to my heart. It is great to work with four very different colleagues and also to mentor and sponsor talent beyond that. Supporting them on their career path and seeing how they develop motivates me greatly. One team member has just completed his one-year HMS internship with us. I believe he can continue his path well equipped with valuable experience.

What do you do when you have doubts?

I structure the problem or situation and outline different approaches or scenarios. With this technique, I find a solid basis for decision-making in most cases.

What is your favorite wine?

I have not consumed alcohol for many years.

What projects are you currently working on?

McKinsey is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, which coincides with the 65th anniversary of the Swiss office – a double reason to celebrate. For internal communications, this means going on a «journey into the past»: we want to make the firm’s history tangible for our employees. In 1961, the first office in continental Europe was opened in Geneva. We are therefore speaking with alumni who, through their consulting work, contributed in part to establishing Switzerland as one of the most competitive economies in the world. Our archive research shows that while our history has been shaped by change, innovation and adaptation, our core – the dual focus on clients and people – has remained the same throughout the years. Today, McKinsey sees itself not «only» as a consulting firm, but as a partner from idea to implementation.

What do you admire in other people?

A passion for long-distance travel. While I enjoy my regular business trips to London, I am otherwise rather home-oriented and enjoy Zurich and Switzerland, or choose holiday destinations in Italy or Germany.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone taking over your job for a day?

Instead of U.S. consultants, you would meet many Swiss colleagues at our offices in Geneva and Zurich, from almost all cantons. While McKinsey was founded in Chicago and is now a global firm, it is deeply rooted in Switzerland. Incidentally, the profiles have changed over the years: in addition to business or MBA graduates, many STEM graduates, doctors or lawyers join us.

What is your personal drive?

I want to make a difference in my professional life through my work and in my private life through my actions.

What are you afraid of?

Fear is not a good advisor; it clouds the mind. That said, I prefer to stay away from life-threatening hobbies and leisure activities.

Your favorite watch brand?

As we advise clients in the consumer sector – from retail to luxury – and also cover the watch industry, I remain neutral and diplomatically refrain from naming a personal favorite brand. I own two wristwatches, one sporty and one elegant.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you would still like to realize?

I will submit my application for Swiss citizenship this year. I strongly identify with Switzerland, contribute in various ways, and look forward to hopefully soon becoming a Swiss citizen formally as well.

Your best investment?

Time for family, friends, learning and health.

Yannick Orto has been Head of Reach & Engagement Switzerland at McKinsey since 2023. He works closely with the Swiss leadership as well as units such as QuantumBlack and the McKinsey Global Institute and is a member of the board of the McKinsey Children’s Aid Switzerland foundation. Previously, he worked at Credit Suisse in communications and in the Chairman’s Office. Earlier roles include ARD Geneva as a TV producer as well as journalistic and PR experience in Germany.