KBL epb names Bill Street as Group Chief Investment Officer

• Former State Street CIO, EMEA, to spearhead KBL epb’s global asset allocation strategy
• Current Group CIO Stefan Van Geyt appointed Group Head of Investment Products & Services

KBL European Private Bankers (KBL epb), the pan-European private banking group, announced today the appointment of Bill Street – who most recently served as Chief Investment Officer, EMEA, at State Street Global Advisors – as Group Chief Investment Officer.

Building on his 25 years of experience in London, Berlin and New York, Street will further enhance KBL epb’s status as an advice-led organization that’s smart, sharp and fast to the market with crystal-clear convictions.

At State Street Global Advisors, where he served for over a decade, Street was responsible for more than €500 billion in assets, managed across multiple asset-class strategies and investment centers. Previously, he served as Head of Fixed Income at UniCredit. He earlier served at Bankgesellschaft Berlin, Commerzbank, Banque Indosuez and J.P. Morgan.

In his new role, Street will work alongside current Group CIO Stefan Van Geyt, who will assume the position of Group Head of Investment Products & Services. In that capacity, Van Geyt will oversee a wide range of relevant functions, including Asset Management & Servicing, Structured Products, Alternative Investments, Lending Origination and Wealth Planning & Structuring.

Prior to joining KBL epb in 2013, Van Geyt served as Director of Investments, Belgium, at BNP Paribas Fortis, where he oversaw all investment-related activity for the Brussels-based private banking unit. Over the previous decade, he held a range of positions in Luxembourg and Switzerland.  

“At a time when the global economic outlook appears increasingly fragile, the need for investment advice has never been greater,” said Jürg Zeltner, Group CEO and member of the Board of Directors of KBL epb, where he has taken a significant ownership stake. “As Group CIO, Bill will spearhead our global asset allocation strategy, working closely with our network of investment specialists to deliver to our clients the advice they require and the performance they seek.

“Together with Stefan – who will ensure that we offer products and services that are right for the individuals and families we have the opportunity to serve, reflecting our open-architecture approach – we will raise our profile as a leading wealth manager and investor, which incorporates environmental, social and governance factors in our investment decision-making.”

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining a uniquely agile firm, Street said: “KBL epb is an organization at an inflection point – under bold new leadership and poised for rapid growth as an industry challenger that can cut through complexity and focus on client needs. I’m eager to put my skills and experience to work for the group, partnering with a tight-knit network of colleagues with a shared passion for the markets.”

“At this transformative moment for our group, I’m delighted to seize this new challenge,” concluded Van Geyt, who established KBL epb’s current, highly collaborative investment model, drawing upon a wealth of deep local insight to provide the bank’s clients with impactful international perspective.

Expressing his appreciation to KBL epb’s shareholder and Board of Directors for the opportunity to have led the group, Vandekerckhove concluded: “As KBL epb prepares to embrace a world of new opportunities, I am deeply satisfied with the strategic progress we have achieved – thanks to the hard work of every colleague and for the benefit of each client who places their trust with us.

“While I will miss the daily exchange of smart ideas between passionate people, I felt that this was the right time for me to pass the baton to bold new leaders,” he said. “As a member of the Board, I will keep a close eye on this organization I have come to know and love, and look forward to continuing to support the group with my experience and perspective.”