Since November 2007, Julius Baer Holding Ltd., Zurich, has been operating as a pure financial holding company focusing on critical Group functions such as strategy, financial control and reporting, capital management, Group legal & compliance, Group risk management and Group communications.
As the owner of the three entities Bank Julius Baer, GAM, and Artio Global, Julius Baer Holding pursues the strategy of guiding three independently run wealth managers with their own business models, brands, operating platforms, and proven management leadership supported by independent Board structures. The US asset management business, Artio Global, as previously announced, is intended to be listed on the NYSE subject to favourable market conditions. This will leave the Group with two distinct assets: Bank Julius Baer, the global private bank under the leadership of Alex W. Widmer and GAM, the boutique alternative and active investment manager, under the leadership of David M. Solo. Both companies have a strong focus on High Net Worth Individuals as their core clients. Beside mutual synergies, Bank Julius Baer and GAM are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities arising from the current challenging market conditions.
After Johannes A. de Gier’s retirement on 1 September 2008 from his function as Group CEO, he will continue as Executive Chairman of GAM. “We are delighted to continually benefit from his extensive industry knowledge and experience, not least in future strategic matters of the Group”, Raymond J. Baer, Chairman of the Board of Julius Baer Holding said. He continued: “The Board of Directors wishes to express its appreciation to Johannes A. de Gier for his significant contribution to a successful re-positioning of the new Julius Baer Group as the leading dedicated wealth manager in Switzerland, as well as his careful work to put in place a smooth management transition to our new financial holding company model.”