The new chief human resources officer has more than 20 years of experience, much of it at an international level working for large companies.

Julius Baer has appointed Francis Hoefman (pictured) as chief human resources officer (CHRO) and member of its global wealth management committee, effective 11 January 2027. She will succeed Guido Ruoss who will pursue another opportunity outside Julius Baer.

Hoefman is an international HR executive with more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of people, business strategy, and organisational transformation. She will be joining Julius Baer from Reckitt, a global consumer company.

Most recently, she was responsible for the company’s global talent, leadership development, category capability, and R&D people agenda. She led a global HR organisation of about 500 professionals. During her tenure at Reckitt, Hoefman also led the global HR organisation for the company’s hygiene and health business divisions and served in several senior HR roles in international markets. Prior to Reckitt, she had senior HR roles with HJ Heinz and Mars. Hoefman started her career as director of VHPP, the association representing senior Philips employees.

“Hoefman brings experience as a global HR leader at a company renowned for developing high performing teams, a growth mindset in a highly competitive sector, and an entrepreneurial ownership culture that drives business results,” Stefan Bollinger, chief executive officer of Julius Baer, said. “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.”

“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,” Bollinger added.

The firm has made a number of senior appointments recently including Pamela Tseng as its chief operating officer for Asia. See here.

Zurich-headquartered Julius Baer is present in around 25 countries and 60 locations. It has offices in locations including Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Lisbon, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Mexico City, Milan, Monaco, Mumbai, Santiago de Chile, Shanghai, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo.