Societe Generale SA has appointed Alexis Kohler as the chairman of its investment bank, selecting French President Emmanuel Macron’s trusted advisor to lead a crucial division within the company. Scheduled to commence his responsibilities in June, Kohler will oversee mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, and acquisition finance operations. In addition to contributing to the bank’s transformation program, he will supervise the group’s general secretariat, human resources, and communication departments, a wide-ranging role that positions him as a prominent figure in the company's executive team.
Under the leadership of CEO Slawomir Krupa, Societe Generale has undergone various management changes over the past two years. Following a restructuring aimed at improving the performance of the French retail business, Krupa has recently appointed new top managers, including Leopoldo Alvear as the finance chief. The bank's stock has shown a significant increase this year, with a rise of 57% after Krupa announced a share buyback and an enhanced profit distribution plan to shareholders.
The investment bank has traditionally played a pivotal role in Societe Generale's operations, with the global banking and investor solutions division contributing around 38% of the group's revenue last year. Alexandre Fleury and Anne-Christine Champion will retain their positions as co-heads of this division.
Known for being one of President Macron's closest aides, Kohler's appointment to lead the advisory business emphasizes the importance of establishing connections in this people-oriented sector. It was reported that Societe Generale made extensive efforts to convince Kohler to join the company, citing his previous influential roles in the French government.
A former secretary-general at the Elysee Palace and chief of staff to President Macron during his tenure as finance minister, Kohler will assume the role of executive vice president in the bank's executive committee. Laetitia Maurel will maintain her position as the chief communication officer, while Anne-Sophie Chauveau-Galas will continue as the chief human resources officer, according to Societe Generale's announcement.