The Geneva-based Swiss private banking group has appointed Donald Waterreus as a member of the board of directors and chairman of the investment strategy committee. Ramon Esteve has meanwhile been named vice chairman.

These appointments fill the vacancy on Banque Heritage’s board that arose at the beginning of May following the departure of vice chairman Johannes Barth. He had held the role since 2024. Prior to that, he served as deputy CEO and head of private banking at the institution. At the end of April, Barth also stepped down as president of the Basel branch of the FDP party.

According to a statement released on Thursday, Waterreus brings extensive experience in financial markets, investments and strategic corporate leadership. As chairman of the board’s investment strategy committee, he will oversee the bank’s investment direction and contribute to strengthening its governance framework.

The executive can look back on a long career in the financial industry. According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously worked at ABN Amro, UBS and Pictet, among others. He is also the founder and CEO of the platform «Board Owl», a professional network for board-level positions.

Esteve has been a long-standing member of the board and represents the family shareholders. He brings extensive corporate governance experience as well as in-depth knowledge of international markets and the commodities sector, the statement added.

Strengthening Corporate Governance

The appointments reflect Banque Heritage’s commitment to building on its strong corporate governance, recognised investment expertise and the stability of its family ownership structure, the bank further emphasised.

«The appointments of Donald Waterreus and Ramon Esteve strengthen our governance by combining financial market expertise, international experience and the continuity of our family shareholding,» said Marcos Esteve, chief executive officer of the private bank.

«We would also like to thank Johannes Barth for his commitment and contribution to the bank’s development and look forward to continuing our collaboration.»

The board of directors of Banque Heritage now consists of Torsten Koster (chairman), Ramon Esteve (vice chairman), Sven Hoffmann, Andrew Halle, Olivier Nicod and Donald Waterreus.