Up the ranks: Julius Baer prepares to welcome Francis Hoefman as CHRO effective 11 January 2027

She succeeds Guido Ruoss who will pursue another opportunity outside Julius Baer after ensuring a seamless transition.

Swiss multinational private banking and financial services firm Julius Baer Group has appointed Francis Hoefman (pictured above) as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and member of its Global Wealth Management Committee, effective 11 January 2027.

She succeeds Guido Ruoss who will pursue another opportunity outside Julius Baer "after ensuring a seamless transition", as stated by the company.

Hoefman joins the leadership team with more than 20 years of experience in people and business strategy. Most recently, she has completed her tenure with Reckitt, where she was responsible for the company’s global talent, leadership development, category capability, and R&D people agenda, leading a global HR organisation of approximately 500 professionals. She was credited with helping to shape the company’s leadership, talent and culture agenda, strengthening organisational capabilities, and enabling sustainable business performance.

Prior to Reckitt, she held senior HR roles with H.J. Heinz and Mars Inc, having started her career as Director of VHPP, the association representing senior Philips employees.

Stefan Bollinger, Chief Executive Officer of Julius Baer, said: "We are delighted to welcome Francis to Julius Baer. Our people are our most valuable asset, so we set out to find the very best CHRO, regardless of sector or geography."

He added: "She will be a valuable addition to our senior management team, driving our people agenda, unlocking the full potential of our talented employees across the Group, and ensuring Julius Baer is employer of choice and the prime spot for prime talent."

He continued: "I want to thank Guido for his many lasting contributions to the Group across a range of initiatives and programmes over his 18 years with Julius Baer, the last 11 years leading the Group’s HR function."

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Lead image / Francis Hoefman LinkedIn