Dr. Josef Ackermann

Dr. Josef Ackermann is a Swiss banking executive, economist, and international business leader widely regarded for his influence on global finance and economic policy. Born in Switzerland, Ackermann earned his doctorate in economics and social sciences from the University of St. Gallen, establishing a strong academic foundation that would inform his decades‑long career in international banking. In 1977, he began his professional journey with Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (SKA)—later known as Credit Suisse—where he advanced through leadership roles and was appointed to its executive board in 1990 before becoming president in 1993. His successful tenure at SKA laid the groundwork for his move to Germany’s largest financial institution, Deutsche Bank AG.

Ackermann joined Deutsche Bank’s management board in 1996, overseeing the investment banking division. He rose swiftly through the organization, becoming spokesman of the management board and chairman of the group executive committee in 2002. In February 2006, he succeeded as chairman of the management board, a position he held until May 2012, guiding the bank through a period of significant strategic growth as well as the global financial crisis. He later served as chairman of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd from March 2012 until August 2013, further solidifying his reputation as a seasoned leader in both banking and insurance.

Beyond executive leadership, Ackermann has played a prominent role in international corporate governance. He has served on the boards of directors of Royal Dutch Shell plc and Investor AB in Sweden, and is vice‑chairman of Belenos Clean Power Holding Ltd in Switzerland. In 2013, he joined the board of EQT Holdings AB, a global investment firm. A respected voice in global economic forums, Ackermann has been vice‑chairman of the World Economic Forum Foundation Board and serves in leadership and advisory capacities with the St. Gallen Foundation for International Studies, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, and the Metropolitan Opera of New York.

Committed to advancing financial education and thought leadership, Ackermann has held academic appointments including visiting professor in finance at the London School of Economics, honorary professorship at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt, and honorary fellowships and doctorates from institutions across Europe. His career reflects deep engagement with corporate, academic, and global economic communities, earning him recognition as one of the leading figures in international finance.