Jean Berthoud, chief executive and the principal shareholder of Banque Bonhôte, the Swiss private bank, will step down on 1 January 2010.

In a letter to the firm and its clients, seen by WealthBriefing, Mr Berthoud, who was appointed CEO of the bank in 1991, wrote that he will join the firm’s board, taking up the role of chairman. 

Mr Berthoud will be replaced as CEO by Patrick Bédat, who will join from Pictet, the Geneva-based private bank, where he was chief operating officer, responsible for asset management and private banking.

Mr Bédat's career also includes roles with Cantonale Neuchâteloise, the cantonal bank of Neuchâtel, and with UBS in Zurich.

Mr Berthound's letter read: “Under [Mr Bédat’s] expert operational guidance, the bank will continue to focus on meeting and exceeding your expectations. My responsibility will be the bank’s long-term strategy and its development, particularly in the international area.”

Bonhôte has offices in Neuchâtel, Geneva, Bienne and London. A fourth Swiss office is expected to be opened in Zurich shortly.