Ralph Hamers to leave ING to become CEO of UBS

He joined ING in 1991 and held various management positions across the bank including country manager in Romania and Belgium. In 2013, he was appointed to the executive board and later in the year became was appointed chairman and chief executive officer.

Hans Wijers, chairman of the supervisory board of ING, said: “Ralph has done an exemplary job in preparing our bank for the future with our Think Forward strategy. His vision and customer focus have been an inspiration throughout the years he served as CEO. We will continue to build on the foundations Ralph has laid and we have strong confidence in our strategic direction.”

Hamers (pictured) will remain in his role as chief executive officer until July, with further announcements on the succession process planned for later in the year.

He said: “I am convinced that the steps we have taken to prepare ING for a digital and mobile future will continue to pay off. This decision has been very hard for me having in mind the many talented and dedicated colleagues and friends I have worked with over the past 29 years, but I am also honoured to get the opportunity to lead an established institution like UBS.”

Hamers will succeed current UBS group chief executive officer Sergio P. Ermotti.

UBS group board chairman Axel A. Weber said: “During Sergio’s tenure, UBS has grown at 6% annually and we are grateful for the strong leadership he provided, adding a successful chapter to the history of this more-than-150-year-old bank.”