The new CEO takes the helm at a private bank describing itself as a "bridge" between the Arab and Western world".

A former partner of Geneva-based Gonet & Cie – which announced a merger deal a few days ago – has resurfaced as chief executive of Arab Bank (Switzerland, this publication can confirm.

Serge Robin took up the post in early July, according to his public profile. Media reports said Robin took over from Nasri Malhamé.

Arab Bank (Switzerland) was founded in Zug in 1962; it is affiliated with Arab Bank, the Jordan-listed firm. Arab Bank (Switzerland) acts mainly for Middle Eastern clients, describing itself as “a bridge between the Arab and Western world”.

Robin ran Merrill Lynch's private bank in Switzerland from 2005 until 2010 until the bank was taken over by Julius Baer. Previously, he worked for Lombard Odier and UBS.

From March 2005, Robin worked at Merrill Lynch in Geneva as chief executive, and later became a partner at Gonet & Cie in 2010. In total, he has worked in financial services for more than 35 years.

As reported last week, Gonet & Cie and Mourgue d'Algue & Cie announced that they are merging as part of continued consolidation in the Alpine state's sector. These banks are among some of the remaining few Swiss houses run by partners carrying unlimited liability.