PGIM Investments has appointed Rochus Appert as country head of Switzerland in a newly created role to "lead the wholesale distribution strategy for the Swiss market and play a key role in PGIM Investments' international growth ambitions".
PGIM Investments is part of PGIM, the $1.2 trillion global investment management business of Prudential Financial.
Together with his team, Appert will be based in Zurich and will report to Matt Shafer, head of international distribution.
Appert will be responsible for growing PGIM Investments' footprint in Switzerland, and broadening and deepening PGIM Investments' relationships with private banks, wealth managers, discretionary/fund of funds, and other intermediaries.
Appert brings with him a track record of nearly 30 years in the Swiss financial industry. He joins from Columbia Threadneedle where he was most recently head of discretionary sales, Switzerland.
Prior to that, Appert held various senior roles including head of intermediary sales for central Europe at BMO Global Asset Management — prior to its acquisition by Columbia Threadneedle — as well as at State Street Global Advisors, Credit Suisse, and WestLB, among others. He holds a master's degree in finance from the University of Zurich.
Matt Shafer, head of international distribution at PGIM Investments, commented: "PGIM Investments has been continuing to grow and develop its presence across Europe. Appointing a dedicated country head for Switzerland underpins the evolution of our business in Europe and strengthens our commitment to the Swiss market. It aligns with our broader focus on developing strong and lasting partnerships with key financial intermediaries globally."
"We are seeing strong investor appetite for actively managed investment solutions in the region, especially across fixed income, equities and alternatives, asset classes in which PGIM excels. Rochus has the experience, expertise and skillset to take our business in Switzerland to the next stage of its growth, and I'm very excited to welcome him to the business."
Rochus Appert, country head of Switzerland at PGIM Investments, added: "I am delighted to be joining PGIM Investments. PGIM Investments offers leading investment capabilities across all major asset classes managed by specialist and autonomous asset management affiliates, providing Swiss investors with a diverse yet targeted range of funds and investment options. This is an exciting time to be joining PGIM Investments and to be part of its growth story. I'm looking forward to working closely and partnering with our clients and prospects in the region."
