Jean Berthoud
Jean Berthoud | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Neuchâtel, Switzerland |
| Occupation | Banking executive |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | CEO of Bonhôte Bank (1990–2010), Chairman of Bonhôte Bank board (2010–present) |
Jean Berthoud (born 1961) is a Swiss banking executive who led Bonhôte as CEO from 1990 until 2010 and has been the chairman of its board since then. He also holds a position on the Sanctions Commission of the SIX Swiss Exchange, serves on the board of the Swiss Bankers Association, and acts as a councilor in Neuchâtel.
Education and Early Career
Originally from Neuchâtel and raised in Paris, Berthoud completed his economics degree at the University of Neuchâtel in 1984, followed by an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1986. While studying, he gained experience in Sales & Trading at Salomon Brothers in New York City. In 1987, he joined J.P. Morgan as an associate director and portfolio manager, managing international clientele in Geneva and Zurich.
Career at Bonhôte
At the age of 22, Berthoud attempted to acquire Bonhôte Bank, then under Claude Bonhôte’s leadership, but his bid was initially rejected due to his youth. Following the bank’s acquisition by Cortaillod Holding in 1988, he presented a plan for modernization and was appointed CEO in 1990 at just 29 years old. Charged with advancing the last private bank based in Neuchâtel, he spearheaded its digital evolution.
Through an option agreement, he progressively secured majority ownership by 1992 alongside local investors. As the main shareholder, he also took on the presidency of Bonhôte Trust entities located in Neuchâtel and London. In 2010, Berthoud stepped down as CEO to assume the role of chairman of the bank’s board.
Board and Administrative Mandates
In addition to his leadership at Bonhôte Bank, Jean Berthoud has occupied significant roles within various financial institutions. Since 2006, he has been a member of the Sanctions Commission at SIX Swiss Exchange, Switzerland’s principal stock exchange operator. In 2010, he joined the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) board and accompanied Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer on an official visit to Asia in 2017, where they met with the governor of China’s central bank. He is also affiliated with the Swiss Association of Asset Managers and has served as Treasurer and Chair of the SBA’s Audit Committee since June 2022.
In December 2019, Berthoud became part of the International Council for the Preservation Society of Newport County and was appointed to the Foundation for the University of Neuchâtel’s board in September 2021. His directorship extends to luxury watchmaker La Montre Hermès; he chairs the Foundation of the Neuchâtel Society of Economics and is involved with both the Guy de Pourtalès Foundation and the Swiss Charitable Foundation. Moreover, he has held membership on the University of Neuchâtel’s Council.
Local Involvement
Jean Berthoud was elected to Neuchâtel’s general council in 1993 representing the Swiss Liberal Party and served for six years. Deeply committed to preserving his hometown’s heritage, he has actively contributed to conservation initiatives in Neuchâtel. After meeting Claude Bonhôte, he pledged to maintain Bonhôte Bank’s local ownership. Among his notable achievements is facilitating the repatriation to Neuchâtel of a historic clock crafted in 1709 by Abram Pétremand.