Former HSBC CEO Quinn to join Julius Baer as chairman in May

Quinn’s experience at HSBC could help Julius Baer tap the fast-growing Asian market, one analyst says

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Former HSBC CEO Noel Quinn is joining Julius Baer as chairman. Photo: AP

Published: 5:08pm, 1 Mar 2025Updated: 9:15am, 3 Mar 2025

Former HSBC CEO Noel Quinn will join Swiss wealth manager Julius Baer Group as its next chairman in May, pending shareholder approval, according to a company statement on Friday.

The board of directors at Julius Baer will nominate Quinn for election as its new non-executive chairman at the annual general meeting on April 10, replacing Romeo Lacher, who is not seeking re-election.

Quinn, a British banking veteran who turned 63 in January, will assume his new role on May 1 due to prior commitments, according to Julius Baer. The appointment marks his first move since stepping down as HSBC CEO in September, passing the leadership to Georges Elhedery. Quinn spent 37 years at HSBC, including the last five years as its global CEO.

“It is a real privilege to be nominated to take on the chair role of the largest pure-play wealth manager and one with such a great heritage,” Quinn said in the statement.

“Having spent over 37 years in the international financial services sector, I am looking forward to working with the board and management team to capitalise on the many exciting opportunities ahead of us.”

Swiss bank Julius Baer is based in Zurich. Photo: AFP

Zurich-based Julius Baer, which traces its roots back to 1890, managed 497 billion Swiss francs (US$551 billion) worth of assets as of the end of December, according to its financial report. The firm operates in 60 markets worldwide, including key locations in Asia such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo.