Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What do you do first in the morning?

I read the news and ask myself which developments are relevant for SZKB customers. The US government is causing a lot of «filter work» at the moment.

What ist he best thing about your job?

On the one hand, the intellectual challenge of understanding the development oft he stock markets and the global economy. On the other hand, client events. I love performing on stage…

A moment that changed your life ?

My EMBA studies at the IMD in Lausanne. I expected to learn a lot of new things about business management there. But above all. I learned a lot about myself as a person and a leader, which is actually much more valuable than marketing and corporate finance.

What cars do you own ? Which is your favorite ?

My car recently celebrated its 10th birthday. It drives from A to B economically and reliably. I’m not really interested in anything else. My favorite vehicle is my electric bike.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self ?

If you’re on the wrong path, look for a new one. Even if it’s difficult.

What are you particularly proud of ?

SZKB’s investment business is smaller that that of private and big banks. Nevertheless, we can offer high-quality services and investment products. We are growing steadily and have even won awards for our funds on various occasions.

What is your favorite wine?

Sauternes. Unbeatable in combination with Stilton. France and England, the culinary Concorde, so to speak.

What is most important to you at the moment ?

That we are close to our customers in these turbulent times on the stock markets. And that we can offer them suitable investment opportunities.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day?

How little time we spend on internal «battles » at SZKB and how much time there is for real value creation. I had a very different experience in previous roles.

What is your personal drive?

I have always been interested in business and politics from an early age. I enjoy being able to apply this passion in the context of the investment business.

What are you afraid of ?

The «old» Western-style world order has brought peace, freedom and prosperity to many paces. I fear that we are losing this. A possible future with more war, bans on thought and oppression makes me shudder.

Your favorite watch brand ?

I wear a simple watch from the Basel region that means a lot to me emotionally. As an « armchair astronaut », I also find the story of Omega’s moon watch unbeatable.

What do your employees value most about you?

My reliability. We have an open dialog, even about unpleasant topics, and a close relationship of trust. It is very important to me that my employees know where they stand and what exactly I expect from them.

Your best investment ?

Apple shares. However, I am skeptical as to whether Apple’s success story will continue in view of the trade war and strong AI competition. Maybe my Goldvreneli, which I bough as a 12-year-old, will beat Apple’s percentage performance…

Thomas Rühl is Head of Research and Chief Investment Officer at Schwyzer Kantonalbank. In previous roles, he worked at Credit Suisse, BAK Economics and the Swiss Bankers Association. He holds an M.A. in Economics (University of Zurich) and an Executive MBA from IMD in Lausanne.