The new CIO, who has been with the firm since 2018, has played a key role in shaping the private bank’s “defensive growth approach.”

Maerki Baumann & Co, a Zurich-based private bank, has appointed Konstantinos Ntefeloudis (pictured) as its chief investment officer (CIO) with effect from 1 January 2026.

He succeeds Gérard Piasko, who had served as Maerki Baumann’s CIO since 2018. In his new role as chief economist, Piasko will concentrate on macroeconomic analyses and assessments for guiding the bank’s investment policy, drawing on his expertise in identifying market-relevant developments.

Ntefeloudis, who has been with the bank since 2018, has more than 20 years of banking experience as well as in-depth expertise across all asset classes. As head of investment management and chairman of the investment committee, he was already responsible for defining the investment strategy and managing Maerki Baumann’s modular investment solution. In particular, he has played a key role in shaping the private bank’s “defensive growth approach.” As deputy head private banking, Ntefeloudis continuously developed the bank’s services, for example in the fields of private markets, venture capital and digital assets, the bank said.

“Especially in times of geopolitical tensions and heightened market uncertainty, reliable market expertise and a consistent investment policy are crucial. With the appointment of Konstantinos Ntefeloudis, we are placing our trust in a proven expert who is thoroughly familiar with our private bank and investment philosophy,” Dr Stephan A Zwahlen, CEO of Maerki Baumann, said. “We are delighted that Gérard Piasko will continue to support us as chief economist with a focus on macroeconomic issues.”

Maerki Baumann, which was founded in 1932 and is owned by the Zurich-based Syz banking dynasty, has more than SFr12 billion ($14.02 billion) of client assets and employs about 100 people. Its clients are mainly in Switzerland and Germany. However, it expanded into the Gulf region recently; in October 2024, it set up an Abu Dhabi branch, as reported in WealthBriefing.