In order to comprehensively identify requirements for top executives in the banking industry, an in-depth understanding of change processes in this sector is essential. The German banking industry has undergone a phase of intensive restructuring and consolidation. Business models were streamlined substantially, risks were minimised. Individual banks, especially foreign banks, withdrew from the German market, others trimmed down their organisational structure and eliminated management levels, in this way boosting their efficiency. In light of the increasing digitalisation and ongoing, intensive regulatory requirements, this structural shift is still accelerating. Intensifying concentration is taking place in the public banking sector – at regional state banks and savings banks, but also at cooperative and local rural credit cooperative banks.

The more traditionally-focussed industry’s demand for a sophisticated corporate culture and credible products on the one hand, and new competitors with innovative business models on the other hand require a lot of management creativity. The banks are increasingly seeking proximity to customers and after years of restraint, are systematically bolstering their market presence again.

• CEO, regional bank
• Executive board corporate customers, regional bank
• Executive board corporate banking, saving bank
• Supervisory board, regional bank
• Managing director, family office
• Head of participation management, multi-family office
• Managing director service KVG, investment company
• Head of Group strategy, regional state bank
• Head of M&A, private bank
• Head of compliance, financial institute
• Divisional head of risk management, savings bank

The digital revolution, new, more individual product worlds in property insurance, pressure on life insurers due to demographic change and the challenging interest rate landscape: All of this is radically altering the insurance market. Regulatory framework conditions, fiercer competition and the faster pace are challenging management to rethink and question the insurance industry’s traditional business models in Germany. This results in tougher requirements on managers’ strategic and professional competencies as well as their communicative skills. What are needed are the willingness to change, agility and innovative strength in corporate management and a state-of-the-art leadership culture.

HEADSAHEAD has longstanding expertise in staffing management positions in the German insurance industry, deep industry know-how and excellent networking.

• Executive board sales, insurance company under public law
• Management board finance/capital market, medium-sized insurance company
• Head of capital investments, pension fund
• Executive board, regulated online insurance company
• Managing Director IT, statutory health insurance
• Head of motor vehicle insurance, regional insurance group
• Head of brokerage and exclusivity sales, medium-sized insurance group