
Grégoire Pennone
Chief Executive Officer, ONE swiss bank
Interview conducted with Tom Burroughes of WealthBriefing for the Tenth Annual WealthBriefing Swiss Awards 2023
Please explain what you think makes your firm successful in its chosen field?
I believe the recipe for success is a blend of strategy and mindset. The first step in crafting an appropriate strategy is to understand the ever-changing environment in which you operate and to know exactly who you are. Secondly, you need to be determined to implement the necessary changes relentlessly and have the emotional intelligence to build a complementary team that is committed to the project.
On top of that, you need to add a touch of agility to find solutions to overcome the obstacles you will encounter along the way. Finding the right balance is a constant struggle. You have to focus on every small victory to keep moving in the desired direction, no matter the pace.
What have been the main obstacles you had to overcome and how did you do so to reach this level?
The closing of each M&A operation is in fact only the beginning of the journey. Indeed, implementing the new development strategy with the right people and the right level of commitment remains the most difficult challenge.
What we have achieved over the last seven years is demanding; you have to be relentless in implementing all the actions that will make the company’s vision a reality. Over the years, we faced multiple headwinds: internal push-backs, market selloffs, pandemic, wars, bursting inflation, etc. We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic, experienced team that is determined to turn any challenge into an opportunity. We also had to convince every stakeholder: authorities, clients, employees, shareholders, etc.
Can you sum up the philosophy that sums up your firm the best?
I would say “SINCERELY COMMITTED”. Toward our clients, we are sincerely committed to fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and trust and to offer them the best financial solutions that meet their needs at fair conditions. Toward our employees, we are sincerely committed to offering them a fulfilling and empowering professional environment with a good work-life balance so they can achieve their full potential. Toward our suppliers, we are committed to doing business with them with the utmost respect and to maintaining a relationship of trust and dialogue.
Whom do you look to in terms of ideas and inspiration? What other business sectors do you follow for ideas?
I am interested in every individual who is passionate about what he or she does and who continuously tries to improve and develop his or her skills in order to offer the best to the society at large.
They can be sportsmen and women, artists, entrepreneurs, politicians, writers, filmmakers, etc. whatever the field of activity. I try to fuel my own inspiration by listening, reading and observing, I take notes, pictures or screenshots to come back regularly to my desk with fresh insightful ideas that will serve our ability to progress.

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