The FINANCIAL — Credit Suisse Group on March 9 announced a number of changes to the Board of Directors. Credit Suisse has had a good start to 2009 and, in view of the bank's very strong capital base, clear strategy, experienced Board of Directors and excellent management team, the Board believes that this is an appropriate moment to make these changes.
Hans-Ulrich Doerig, currently Vice Chairman, will, subject to his re-election as a Board member at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 24, 2009, be appointed as Chairman with effect from that date. Mr. Doerig takes over from Walter B. Kielholz, who has decided to step down as Chairman of Credit Suisse Group to enable him to focus on his new role as Chairman of Swiss Re. Mr. Kielholz will, however, stand for re-election to the Board of Credit Suisse Group as a member with no functional duties.
Urs Rohner, currently Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Credit Suisse, will be proposed for election to the Board of Directors at the AGM and, if elected, will assume the role of full-time Vice Chairman. John Tiner, CEO of the UK firm Resolution and former CEO of the UK FSA, and Andreas Koopmann, CEO of Bobst Group, will be proposed for election to the Board of Directors of Credit Suisse Group. Richard E. Thornburgh, a member of the Board since 2006, will become Chairman of the Risk Committee, in place of Hans-Ulrich Doerig. Thomas W. Bechtler, a Board member since 1994, will stand down from the Board, having served for the maximum five terms.
Hans-Ulrich Doerig said: "Credit Suisse owes a great debt of gratitude to Walter Kielholz for the enormous contribution he has made by leading the transformation of the bank over the past few years. We are pleased that he will remain on our Board. I am honored to take over as Chairman at a very important time in the bank's history and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the other members of the Board, Brady Dougan and the management team."
He continued: "I am delighted that we are able to propose Andreas Koopmann, Urs Rohner and John Tiner for election to the Board. They will each be able to make a very important contribution to the continuing success of Credit Suisse. The Board is convinced that Urs Rohner's significant role in the bank's success to date prepares him well for his new position as Vice Chairman. In his current role, he has been responsible for the development of the bank's strategy, efficiency management, human capital and legal and regulatory affairs. I look forward to working very closely with Urs as Vice Chairman."
Brady Dougan said: "Management and the Board have enjoyed a close working partnership, which has been instrumental in positioning Credit Suisse well during a challenging market environment. Hans-Ueli and I have worked together for 20 years, and we look forward to continuing to build on that partnership. Credit Suisse is in a very good position to weather difficult markets if they persist in the coming months and to prosper when they recover."
Walter B. Kielholz said: "I am pleased that I am able to make this transition, knowing that Credit Suisse is in a very strong position. Over the past few years, the members of the Board have worked very closely with the management team to develop the strategy and to strengthen our Board and Corporate Governance model. The proposal to elect three new members means that the Board will be able to continue this strategic progress under the leadership of Hans-Ueli; he has been a member of the senior management of Credit Suisse since 1982 and brings unique depth of experience, gained in his 35 years with our bank."
Urs Rohner will be succeeded as General Counsel by Romeo Cerutti, currently a senior member of the General Counsel organization. Mr. Cerutti will be appointed to the Executive Board of Credit Suisse with effect from April 24, 2009.
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