Benjamin Hollenstein
Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Professional Overview
Benjamin Hollenstein is an accomplished Chief Risk Officer (CRO) with over 30 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry. He is a seasoned risk management expert with a proven track record of driving strategic risk initiatives and implementing robust risk management frameworks to ensure organizational resilience and compliance. Hollenstein's deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills make him a valuable asset to the companies he serves.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Chief Risk Officer (CRO), YAPEAL (2021-10-01 to Present)
- Responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate various risks, including operational, financial, and regulatory risks
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify, assess, and proactively manage emerging risks, ensuring the company's long-term sustainability and growth
- Provide expert guidance and recommendations to the executive team on risk-related matters, supporting informed decision-making
- Enhance the organization's risk culture by promoting risk awareness, accountability, and a well-defined risk appetite framework
Guest Lecturer, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (2006-01-01 to Present)
- Deliver guest lectures on various topics related to risk management, compliance, and corporate governance to university students
- Share industry insights and best practices to prepare the next generation of risk management professionals
Career Progression
Senior Consultant, 4executives ag (2021-07-01 to 2021-10-01)
- Provided strategic advisory services to clients in the financial services sector on risk management, compliance, and organizational transformation
- Leveraged extensive industry knowledge and expertise to develop tailored solutions to address complex risk-related challenges
CRO Europe Advisory & Asset Management, Julius Baer (2019-01-01 to 2021-06-01)
- Responsible for overseeing the implementation of risk management strategies and frameworks across the European advisory and asset management divisions
- Played a key role in integrating risk management practices across various business lines, ensuring consistency and effectiveness
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and address emerging risks, implementing mitigation measures to safeguard the firm's reputation and financial stability
Academic Background
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Areas of Expertise
- Risk management strategy and framework development
- Operational risk mitigation
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
- Financial risk assessment and control
- Organizational transformation and change management
- Thought leadership and industry knowledge sharing
Professional Impact
- Recognized as a subject matter expert in risk management, with numerous guest lectures and industry presentations
- Spearheaded the implementation of advanced risk management tools and analytics to enhance the risk management capabilities of the organizations he has served
- Played a pivotal role in successfully navigating complex regulatory changes and integrating risk management practices across diverse business lines
Conclusion
With his extensive industry experience, technical expertise, and proven leadership abilities, Benjamin Hollenstein is a highly respected Chief Risk Officer who consistently delivers strategic value to the organizations he serves. His unwavering commitment to risk management excellence and his ability to navigate complex challenges make him a valuable asset in the financial services industry.
