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 meditate every morning as the very first activity. Centering myself fills me with calm, a sense of identity, and curiosity - allowing me to experience each day as something unique.

What is the best thing about your job?

I am inspired by working in an environment that is constantly evolving and in flux. Meeting people there, clients as well as colleagues - and building stable partnerships with clear objectives together is something I find deeply fulfilling.

A moment that changed your life?

I worked for the International Red Cross and witnessed war, hardship, and suffering. Since those experiences, I have been grateful every single day for the privileges we enjoy in Switzerland when it comes to education, safety, and professional opportunities.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

At the moment, I drive a BMW X5.

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

Find a subject that truly interests and inspires you - especially one whose complexity will be difficult to master later in life due to lack of time. Invest time in learning languages and in extensive travel to discover other worlds.

What are you particularly proud of?

My children bring a new dimension of joy, responsibility, and shared experiences into my life.

What was your biggest defeat?

My biggest defeat was also one of my most important insights. I lost my job due to a restructuring and realized that defeat and success lie very close together.

What is your favorite wine?

I enjoy Rodma Seleccion. The winery is located in Spain's Ribera del Duero region. The grape is a thick-skinned, deep-blue Tempranillo that delights the palate with rich aromas of blackberries, cherries, vanilla, and cinnamon.

What projects are you currently working on?

I recently completed a private construction project. Now I am enjoying the new apartment and the free time I have gained.

What is most important to you at the moment?

To live and experience each day with the greatest possible intensity.

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

It is less about selling and more about building trust. Constantly changing regulatory and macroeconomic conditions create sales processes that can last up to two years and place significant demands - both product-related and macroeconomic - on clients as well as on the salesperson. As a result, success only becomes visible with a delay, and perseverance is essential.

What is your personal drive?

The opportunity to grow from every challenge, both personally and professionally.

What are you afraid of?

I have learned that fear is not a good advisor. What matters is how we face problems and find solutions.

Your favorite watch brand?

I have a particular affinity for IWC - the craftsmanship of their in-house movements especially impress me.

What do your employees value most about you?

It is difficult to judge what others value in me. Personally, I place great importance on demonstrating loyalty and delegating responsibility so that people can thrive in their professional environment.

Your best investment?

The time I have invested in my personal and professional development.

Rochus Appert is Vice President at PGIM, based in Zurich. He is responsible for wholesale distribution in Switzerland and, together with his team, is driving the expansion of PGIM’s presence as well as deepening relationships with private banks, asset managers, fund-of-funds, and other intermediaries. Previously, he served as Head of Discretionary Sales at Columbia Threadneedle, Head of DACH at BMO Global Asset Management, and Head of SPDR ETFs in Switzerland.