The Client:

One of Europe’s top five banking institutions initiated a critical transition phase in one of its key divisions in a European core market. With the incumbent CEO stepping down, the client needed to secure not just a strong successor but to also re-evaluate the composition and dynamics of the entire executive leadership team. The goal was to ensure long-term strategic alignment and continuity in a highly regulated and competitive environment.

The Challenges:

The client was facing a leadership succession moment that demanded a holistic and forward-looking perspective:

• The CEO role required a high-caliber individual capable of navigating regulatory complexity, technological disruption, and cultural transformation.

• Additionally, the division’s leadership team structure needed to be assessed to optimize performance and cohesion.

All assessments had to be conducted under strict confidentiality and time constraints.

The Approach:

Alpine One designed and executed a comprehensive Management Assessment Program tailored to the strategic requirements of the division and the broader organization. The approach combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies:

• Psychometric Evaluation:
  We used the Hogan Assessment Suite to gain deep insights into personality, leadership style, potential derailers, and team compatibility of internal and external candidates.

• Structured Executive Interviews:
  Each candidate participated in a three-hour structured interview, conducted by Alpine One Managing Partners with deep sector knowledge and c-level experience in international banks. These interviews focused on leadership behavior, situational decision-making, and cultural fit.

Board Alignment & Calibration:
Regular feedback loops and calibration meetings with the client’s Top Management and HR leadership team ensured full alignment with strategic and governance priorities.

The Result:

• CEO Appointed: A highly capable internal candidate was selected, bringing continuity and strategic foresight.

• Executive Team Restructured: Recommendations led to a revised leadership structure, better aligned with the division’s growth and risk profile.

• Data-Driven Confidence: The comprehensive assessment approach provided robust decision-making support for the supervisory board, reducing bias and increasing transparency.

Client Feedack:

"The process designed by Alpine One gave us confidence not just in selecting our next CEO, but in future-proofing our entire leadership team – their neutral perspective played a key role in guiding and structuring the decision-making process."