ZEAL Network has named Carola Gräfin von Schmettow as its new chair after Peter Steiner officially stepped down from the post at the operator’s AGM.
Schmettow steps in for Steiner, who stepped down at the end of the AGM yesterday, 21 May, after eight years in the role – Steiner had communicated his intention to leave his role in May 2024, stating at the time that he would depart after the 2025 AGM.
Schmettow initially joined the operator’s board last November and will now take on the position of chair after shareholders approved her ascension to the role.
The new chair’s work experience includes a near three-decade stint with HSBC Germany, from September 1992 to May 2021, which culminated in her being named CEO in June 2015.
In January 2020, she was also appointed general manager of the HSBC group.
Schmettow’s previous board roles include a spell on the HSBC Continental Europe board, chair of HSBC Global Asset Management and deputy chair of the German Stock Exchange.
For Steiner, his departure brings an end to a 12-year commitment to the ZEAL board. He initially joined as chair of the audit committee in June 2013 before his becoming chair of the supervisory board in 2017.
Helmut Becker, ZEAL Network CEO, said: “We would like to thank Peter Steiner for his many years of dedicated and responsible work as a member and chairman of our supervisory board.
“During this time, he was not only a reliable companion and valuable source of inspiration for the management board – he was a strategic compass, an anchor of integrity and a person who accompanied ZEAL with foresight and passion.
“Under his leadership, the supervisory board has accompanied key developments such as ZEAL’s return to Germany and the strategic expansion of our business.
“On behalf of ZEAL, I would like to sincerely thank Peter Steiner for his valuable work and wish him all the best for the future.”
The change to the board comes two months after Becker announced he will be leaving ZEAL in January 2026.
Also announced at the AGM was the decision to approve a basic dividend of €1.30 per share and an additional special dividend of €1.10 per share for the 2024 financial year.
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The post ZEAL Network selects former HSBC Germany CEO as new chair first appeared on EGR Intel.
Carola Gräfin von Schmettow replaces Peter Steiner, who announced his decision to relinquish the role in May 2024
The post ZEAL Network selects former HSBC Germany CEO as new chair first appeared on EGR Intel.