Swiss private bank Bordier & Cie names Ian Heap as UK CEO

Bordier UK, part of the Swiss private banking group Bordier & Cie, has appointed Ian Heap as chief executive officer, subject to FCA approval.

Presently director of portfolio management, and a board director since 2019, Heap (pictured) launched his career in the field of private client wealth management in 2000, joining the St. James’s based firm in 2005 from Close Brothers Wealth Management, where he was responsible for a book of discretionary private and corporate clients.

As a director of the firm for the last five years, Heap has headed the portfolio management team and provided support and advice on internal issues and external challenges, giving him a strong platform for his new position and responsibilities.

Jamie Berry, executive chairman and interim CEO at Bordier UK said: “Our business is characterised by deep experience and long tenure. I have been managing clients with the business for more than four decades now, working hand in hand with our CIO for more than 30 years, and with Ian for 20 come next May.

"This stability has served our clients well and has underpinned the success of our business, with UK assets today at a record level, and Bordier established as one of the most highly regarded private client wealth management firms operating in UK asset management today.”

He continued, “In our 43 years we have only had two CEOs, and as the founder of our business, this appointment is particularly important to me. Having worked closely with Ian over so many years, I know that our clients and the business will be in very good hands, and I am delighted that he has accepted our offer.”

Grégoire Bordier, partner at Geneva-based parent Bordier & Cie echoed Jamie Berry’s sentiments, saying: “We first invested in the UK business in 2001 and put our name over the door in 2014, ten years ago. That decision not only marked our commitment to the UK market, but the importance we place on London as one of the world’s leading hubs for private client asset management.

"The appointment of a new CEO is critical to our continuing success, and having considered a wide pool of candidates, from many leading firms, I speak for all the Partners when I say that we have the greatest confidence in Ian’s ability to take the business forward, and to write the next chapter.”