Leadership changes at Natixis with Mohamed Kallala appointed CEO

The Board of Directors of Natixis, under the chairmanship of Nicolas Namias, announced significant leadership changes to take effect on January 1, 2025. Mohamed Kallala has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Natixis, while Philippe Setbon will assume the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

In his new role, Kallala will oversee Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB), leveraging his extensive experience and strategic acumen. Setbon, in turn, will lead Natixis’ Asset & Wealth Management division (Natixis IM), reporting directly to Nicolas Namias, CEO of BPCE, the parent company of Natixis. This reshuffling is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and streamline decision-making.

Outgoing CEO Stéphanie Paix, stepping down due to health reasons, will remain involved with the company as Senior Advisor to Namias. Expressing his appreciation, Namias said, “Speaking both personally and on behalf of Groupe BPCE, I would like to wish Stéphanie the best in personal terms, as well as to thank her wholeheartedly for her outstanding engagement these last two years and for her key contribution to the successful development of our Corporate & Investment Banking and Asset & Wealth Management businesses and to the definition of their strategic goals for 2030.”

Mohamed Kallala’s appointment is seen as a natural progression in his career. Having joined Natixis in 2005, he has held various leadership roles, including Global Head of Investment Banking and Global Head of Natixis CIB.

His vast experience, leadership skills, and client-centric approach are expected to further expand Natixis’ Corporate & Investment Banking arm.

Namias noted that, “Mohamed Kallala will harness his know-how and in-depth knowledge of our business lines, his widely-acknowledged leadership abilities and his client focus to continue expanding Natixis CIB.”

Philippe Setbon, a seasoned leader in Asset & Wealth Management, brings extensive expertise from his years at Generali Group, Groupama Asset Management, and, most recently, as CEO of Natixis Investment Managers.

Namias highlighted Setbon’s strengths, stating, “At the head of Natixis IM, Philippe Setbon will continue to exercise all the discipline, expertise, and leadership qualities accumulated throughout his lengthy career in Asset & Wealth Management.”

With these appointments, Namias emphasized that Natixis’ two global business lines are well-prepared for future growth, building on their solid strategic vision and ongoing momentum. He noted, “The strategic vision and engagement of both Mohamed Kallala and Philippe Setbon will allow us to build on the momentum in place by leveraging our strengths, such as client focus, expertise, and innovation.”