Vontobel, the Swiss private banking group, has appointed Frank Wieser as managing director of Bank Vontobel Europe, which is headquartered in Germany, and as the new head of private banking Germany.

Mr Wieser, who will assume his new roles by spring 2010 at the latest, was most recently manager of the Düsseldorf branch of Sal Oppenheim, the Luxembourg-based private bank. In addition to Sal Oppenheim Mr Wieser’s prior career also includes a number of management functions at Deutsche Bank.

"In view of his extensive experience, Frank Wieser has a profound understanding of the needs of German clients. With his in-depth market knowledge and management expertise, he will be able to successfully move ahead with the Vontobel Group's growth strategy in Germany and give new impetus to our German operations," said Peter Fanconi, head of private banking at the Vontobel Group.

The management board of Bank Vontobel Europe will comprise Mr Wieser, Alois Ebner, Andreas Heinrichs and Richard Zweng, the bank said in a statement.