Passion alone isn’t enough
Born in Ecuador, Christoph’s upbringing was shaped by constant relocation. His father’s career with a large multinational organisation meant the family moved every three or four years, exposing Christoph to a variety of cultures and countries across North America, Asia and Europe. These formative years instilled in him a deep appreciation for the diversity across the world and its communities. From an early age, Christoph knew that his future career would be centred on human connection and travel.
After finishing school, Christoph set off to explore the world for himself, using his savings to buy a one-way ticket to Tanzania. There, he met Rudy, a local teacher whose story left a lasting impression that would impact his professional and personal life. “Rudy told me he was one of seven siblings, and his parents had to choose which child would go to school – the one most likely to succeed and get a job that would support the whole family. This story opened my eyes. I realised I would never have to make such a choice with my own children, simply because I had won life’s lottery.”
This encounter was a defining moment. Christoph was determined to make a difference and pursue a career that would enable him to help make the world a better place. He went on to study anthropology and German literature at Oxford Brookes University and the University of Cologne, later earning a degree in journalism from the London School of Journalism.
On the ground, I quickly discovered a completely different reality: communities had become dependent on the association’s aid. That’s when I realised that passion alone isn’t enough.
In 2005, Christoph persuaded the founders of a small non-profit organisation, active in the management of schools and clinics in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, to take him on as an assistant project manager. This marked another defining moment. “Based on the reports the founders presented to me, the organisation appeared to have an incredible impact on communities – at least on paper. But on the ground, I quickly discovered a completely different reality. Communities had become dependent on the association’s aid. School supplies and medicines were being sold to neighbouring communities, leading to tensions and jealousy between villages that received support and those that didn’t. That’s when I realised that passion alone isn’t enough”.
Outside of work, Christoph is also committed to causes as diverse as combating sex trafficking, supporting indigenous communities in Latin America and preserving biodiversity. Whether through donations or pro bono work, his commitment to making the world a better place is unwavering.
After two years, Christoph decided to move to London, determined to work closer with donors and help create programmes that really meet the needs of communities. This journey took him first to St. James’s Palace, where he worked for The Prince’s Charities and The Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust). He then joined the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) as head of major donor fundraising. By then, Christoph felt he had achieved his professional ambitions: to travel the world, meet inspiring people and make a difference.
However, everything was about to change. One day, during a conversation with a major UNICEF donor, who happened to be a client at UBS and with whom Christoph had built a close relationship, Christoph received unexpected advice – to join UBS as a philanthropy adviser. “My dream had always been to work in the voluntary sector, and most certainly not in a bank. So I simply put it to the back of my mind.”
But a few days later, UBS called, inviting him to an interview for the role as a philanthropy adviser. “I realised that my contact had recommended me. Out of respect for him, I agreed to the interview.” But Christoph wasn’t really convinced until he spoke to the former Head of Wealth Solutions at UBS. “He explained to me that UBS managed USD 2.3 trillion, and if I could help even 1% of clients give 1% of their wealth more strategically, the impact would dwarf anything I could achieve at UNICEF.”
While my work today isn’t as hands-on as my experience in the field, the impact is far greater.
Convinced by this argument, Christoph joined UBS in 2015 as a philanthropy adviser in Zurich, where he moved with his wife and son. A year later, their daughter was born. In 2018, he seized the opportunity to become Head of Philanthropy and Family Advisory for the US West Coast. With his wife’s support, the whole family packed their bags again, this time for Santa Monica, Los Angeles. “Being a philanthropy adviser there was a fascinating experience. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to advise a wide range of clients, from Hollywood celebrities and tech entrepreneurs in Palo Alto to small family-run businesses in rural Utah.”
But the American dream soured for Christoph and his wife after a shooting at their son’s school. It was a real wake-up call for the whole family. Around this time, Christoph was approached by Stéphanie Lair Crommen, Head of Wealth Solutions at Pictet, to develop a philanthropy advisory offering within Pictet Wealth Management. He then met with Rémy Best in a restaurant in San Francisco. “I think we were the only two people in the whole of California wearing a tie that day,” he laughs.
Wealth management isn’t just about managing assets; it’s also about helping clients manage their wealth holistically. And for many clients, philanthropy is central to that.
During their conversation, Christoph asked Rémy what inspired him to launch this initiative. “Up until then, the discussion had been very formal. But as soon as I asked this question, his passion for philanthropy shone through. That convinced me.” In late 2020, he decided to move to Geneva with his wife and two children, tasked with establishing a philanthropy advisory service from scratch.
Today, this service is a cornerstone of our wealth management offering. What Christoph enjoys most in his current role is meeting clients who are passionate about and committed to a wide variety of causes, learning about their backgrounds and motivations, and helping them to develop a truly impactful approach to philanthropy. “Wealth management isn’t just about managing assets; it’s also about helping clients manage their wealth holistically. And for many clients, philanthropy is central to that. Offering this holistic approach to clients and putting them at the heart of the process by working with colleagues across all wealth management teams is a real differentiator for Pictet.”
“In recent years, philanthropy has become increasingly professional. A growing number of donors want to support the causes they care about in a more structured and strategic manner, which is leading to growing demand for philanthropy advisory services.” The recent addition of Nina Hoas, Senior Philanthropy Strategist, to Pictet Wealth Management’s Philanthropy Services team will undoubtedly help meet this growing interest.
When asked if he now feels he is having the societal impact he once dreamed of, Christoph replies: “I think so. While my work today isn’t as hands-on as my experience in the field, the impact is far greater.”
Outside of work, Christoph is also committed to causes as diverse as combating sex trafficking, supporting indigenous communities in Latin America and preserving biodiversity. Whether through donations or pro bono work, his commitment to making the world a better place is unwavering.