For DWS, the appointment its CEO as a Deutsche Bank management board member offers the opportunity to enhance the firm's representation in the decision-making of its biggest shareholder.

Deutsche Bank’s supervisory board has appointed Stefan Hoops (pictured), CEO of DWS, as a member of the Deutsche Bank management board, effective 1 May, subject to regulatory approvals.

Hoops will continue as CEO of DWS alongside taking on responsibility for the asset management segment on the Deutsche Bank management board. DWS remains a separately-listed legal entity with its own strategy, leadership and governance.

For DWS, the appointment of Hoops as a Deutsche Bank management board member offers the opportunity to enhance its representation in the decision-making of its biggest shareholder, the firm said in a statement. It reflects the importance of asset management within the bank’s growth strategy to scale the Global Hausbank over the coming years.

As laid out in the Deutsche Bank investor day in November 2025 and at DWS’ results presentation in January 2026, both organisations are seeking to use the capabilities of the group to drive profitable, targeted growth opportunities. Hoops’ combined role is expected to enhance the ability of DWS and the group to capture these opportunities in a changing environment, for example, as a provider of pension solutions as Germany makes changes to its retirement framework and by positioning the company as the “Gateway to Europe” for international investors.

“We welcome the appointment of Stefan Hoops to the Deutsche Bank management board,” Oliver Behrens, chairman of the supervisory board of DWS, said. “It is a strong signal for the importance of DWS for Deutsche Bank’s growth strategy. At the same time, it reflects DWS’ strategic growth potential and recognises the excellent work that Stefan and his team have delivered over the past years.”

“The strong leadership team at DWS, with the support of its supervisory board, has taken significant strides to position the company for profitable growth. I have tremendous confidence in Stefan’s ability to continue executing DWS’ strategy to create value for all shareholders while ensuring to maximise the benefits of the group’s capabilities for clients and all stakeholders,” James von Moltke, president of Deutsche Bank and currently responsible for asset management, added.

Together with the executive board of DWS, Hoops will continue to focus on executing the company’s growth plan and remain committed to delivering its mid-term financial targets of 10-15 per cent annual growth in earnings per share and a cost/income-ratio of below 55 per cent in 2027.