Veteran UBS Banker Lukas Gähwiler Bows Out After 45 Years in Finance
After an extraordinary 45-year career, seasoned banker Lukas Gähwiler will retire from UBS, closing a chapter that spanned some of the most pivotal moments in Swiss banking history – including the integration of Credit Suisse. UBS announced that Markus Ronner will be nominated to succeed him as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.
UBS announced on Friday that Lukas Gähwiler, one of Switzerland’s most respected bankers, will not stand for re-election at the annual general meeting in April 2026. His decision marks the culmination of a 45-year journey across leadership, strategy, and transformation within the Swiss financial sector.
From 2010 to 2016, Gähwiler served as president of UBS Switzerland and member of the group executive board, before becoming chairman of UBS Switzerland AG. In 2022, he assumed the role of vice chairman of UBS Group AG, guiding the bank through a historic phase that included the acquisition and integration of Credit Suisse.
Distinguished Career Comes Full Circle
UBS chairman Colm Kelleher described Gähwiler’s retirement as «a moment of deep appreciation and regret». He highlighted Gähwiler’s role in the Credit Suisse integration and his unwavering commitment to the firm:
«Lukas Gähwiler is one of the most respected bankers in Switzerland – his integrity, social skills, and work ethic set him apart. He has been a key driving force behind UBS’s success, particularly in Switzerland, and he will be greatly missed.»
CEO Sergio Ermotti echoed those sentiments, calling Gähwiler «a trusted partner» and praising his contribution to UBS’s strategic repositioning. «As President and later Chairman of UBS in Switzerland, Lukas fundamentally strengthened our domestic franchise and helped lead the integration of Credit Suisse. His impact will resonate for years.»
New Vice Chairman
Markus Ronner, designated Vice Chair UBS (Image: UBS)
UBS announced that Markus Ronner, a Swiss national with over four decades at the bank, will be nominated as vice chairman at the 2026 AGM. Ronner, who joined UBS in 1981, has built a reputation as a risk, compliance, and governance expert respected by regulators worldwide.
Currently group chief compliance and governance officer, Ronner oversees compliance, financial crime prevention, and operational risk control. Between 2022 and 2023, he also served as chairman of UBS Switzerland AG.
Continuity in Leadership
Kelleher welcomed Ronner’s nomination, noting that his «unique breadth of experience in financial services will bring invaluable insight to the Board». Ermotti added that Ronner’s foundational work over the past 15 years helped shape UBS’ modern governance structure and its ability to manage non-financial risks.
The transition from Gähwiler to Ronner symbolizes a generational handover within UBS’ leadership – from one veteran banker to another deeply rooted in the institution’s culture. While Gähwiler retires after a distinguished 45-year run, his successor represents continuity and stability in an era of global banking transformation.
Statesman of Swiss Finance
In short: With Gähwiler’s departure, UBS bids farewell to a seasoned statesman of Swiss finance – and welcomes Ronner, a governance veteran, to carry forward the legacy of prudence, trust, and transformation.
