Opportunities, diligence and a leap of faith: Ann-Mirjam Lévy Duvernay shares her career journey
After her Business studies in Geneva, Ann-Mirjam took a Masters at the Sorbonne in Paris for which she needed an internship. So she joined the Financial Services team at KPMG for 6-months as an intern in Geneva. From the start, Ann-Mirjam had a transversal role and operated fluidly between functions and across hierarchies with her clients. Liking the work she stayed for the next 14 years and during this time, she worked on a couple of projects for Pictet Group.
"My first impression of Pictet was that the people were highly professional. Respectful. Evidently smart, yet humble. I remember thinking ‘wow, these guys are really the cream of the crop’."
In 2016, shivering at the bottom of a ski slope waiting for her children to finish their lesson, Ann-Mirjam was greeted by an acquaintance in HR at Pictet, Sophie Goossens Viquerat. After exchanging pleasantries, Sophie suggested they meet for a chat, there may be future opportunities at Pictet. Although Ann-Mirjam was on a clear trajectory to make partner at KPMG, her enthusiasm for 80-hour weeks was beginning to wane. The following week she met with Cédric Vermesse and Carine Sapey, who were looking for a Senior Finance Manager for Pictet Asset Management. “I found it very odd. They asked about me. My opinions, my aspirations. I began to realise there might be a more human, even balanced way to do things. I took the job.”
Except it wasn’t the job she’d signed for. The Head of Finance for Pictet Asset Management (who she was supposed to report to) decided to leave so, upon arrival, Ann-Mirjam was asked to step up. “I’ve been lucky enough to have some extraordinary mentors, such as Cédric, but also my Emerging Leader mentor Raymond Sagayam and Renaud de Planta, who have encouraged me to shine. They’re the kind of people who drew me up by their expectations in such a way that I just wanted to give them my all.” And so she did.
Over the next four years, she led key business and financial related projects, including the setup of new branches. Her work was getting her noticed. In 2021, Ann-Mirjam was promoted to Head of Group Internal Audit where she was responsible for providing the Partners and governing bodies of the Group with advice and recommendations to ensure risks are effectively managed. “My job touched all parts of the bank, I got to know the inner-workings of most departments, from frontline teams to risk and compliance, including investment, tech, operations and logistics. Internal audit is very much an ‘in the shadows’ job.
That didn’t stop her from developing an extensive network across the bank. “I get a lot of energy from the people I work with. The interactions, working towards a common goal, finding humour in little things.” It’s how Ann-Mirjam reenergises and brings balance to her work life. Three years into her position at Group Internal Audit, at the end of a routine business check-in with Renaud, he brought up her development plan. “He told me: 'What’s missing in your career is experience abroad. What about Asia?'”. That was beginning 2024. “Honestly, I laughed. My whole family’s life is in Geneva. We own a house here. My husband works in a Swiss bank, for Swiss clients. My 15-year old daughter plays soccer for Servette*, my 13-year old son had just moved to a new school.” A few weeks later Renaud came back with a more concrete proposal: to fill the role as CEO of the Hong Kong branch and Head of North Asia for Pictet Wealth Management. “It started as a bit of a joke with my husband. A ‘hey, funny thing at work today’ conversation. But the more we spoke about it (and all the reasons it wouldn’t work), the more I realised I really wanted to do it. It would be an enormous move both professionally and personally, but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to evolve to a frontline role.” So Ann-Mirjam said “maybe, but…”. Non-negotiable conditions revolved essentially around settling their family: somewhere to live, a good school and most importantly, a club for their daughter to play.
“It was when the President of the Hong Kong Football Club’s mobile number landed on my desk two days later with the message that he was expecting my call that it really hit me. I was more than just a cog in this Pictet wheel, I am valued and they want me to succeed.” At the end of August 2024, in one 13-hour flight, Ann-Mirjam upended her life and arrived in Hong Kong with her family (and 16 suitcases).
As her title implies, she is responsible for the smooth execution of the Hong Kong branch, including operations and compliance with the local regulator and also maintaining relations with professional associations and authorities.
On the wealth management side, in collaboration with Victor Aerni, Head of Pictet Wealth Management Asia, she supports the front teams in ensuring they deliver the best service to clients and in reaching their growth targets.
“It is a really exciting dynamic to be in at the moment. Our wealth management wants to grow our asset base in the region. We have the right people, we continue to invest in new talents, and our offering is perfectly suited to the market.”
As the Pictet brand and capabilities are much less recognised in Asia, their approach is slightly different from in Europe. “We target the ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) space. Our size, family values and independence resonate well within this client segment, certainly in comparison to our competition, that are much larger, international banks. I want us to be seen as a more personal service. A high end, investment-led partner.”
Like in all her previous roles Ann-Mirjam is relishing in the novelty, fervently absorbing as much as she can about the business. This time though, with the added layer of navigating an entirely new culture. Colleagues have been numerous in coming to her aid, especially in deciphering unwritten traditional codes and rituals of daily life. “I most definitely do not have all the answers and nor do I need to. I am surrounded by highly competent teams who do.”
Her days are diverse and unpredictable. “I’m still surprised by the scope of my tasks,” she reflects. “I might meet a client in the morning, be called in for my opinion on the colour of the paint for the office refurbishment at noon and then have a call with Compliance in Geneva about the implementation of a new technical feature in the afternoon. The pace nourishes me.”
Our conversation is nearing an end and Ann-Mirjam is heading to an evening networking event. Aside from these types of occasions, dinners are spent with her family or new friends, together on a culinary exploration of the city. “Moving across the world has bonded us as a family. In Geneva, we each had our own lives, habits and activities. Here, we’re far more close-knit exploring life together.” Was it worth it? “100%!”