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?

Without coffee, not much happens form e in the morning. So, my first important stop before heading to the office is the kitchen at home. With that first coffee, I check my emails and catch up on the latest news.

What is the best thing about you job?

The best part, and at the same time the greatest challenge, is the variety and the fact that you can never fully predict what will happen. I see my job a bit like that of a hockey coach. I look for the best players – both for offense and defense. My job is then to form a strong team out of these diverse talents. Together, we work on different plays and tactics, and ultimately, we try to score as many goals as possible.

A moment that changed your life?

The birth of my children. They are almost adults now, but nothing has had even close such a positive impact on my life.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

Until recently, I was always dependent on family cars. But last year, I was able to swap the station wagon for a German convertible, which definitely brings more driving pleasure. When it comes to cars, I treat it the same way as when recruiting new talent : « The Best or Nothing » ! With that slogan, any car enthusiast will quickly guess the brand.

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

Stay the course and see setbacks as valuable opportunities to learn. OFten, you only realize later in life what lesson an experience was meant to teach you.

What are you particularly proud of?

Of my wife and our two children. My wife, because even during times when life got a bit bumpy, she was always the anchor and a positive force for me. And my children because they have grown into wonderful young adults. I would say my wife had quite a bit to do with that as well ... so, in the end, all my answers somehow lead back to my wife.

What do you do when you have doubts?

When in doubt, I discuss my thoughts and concerns with different stakeholders and give decisions the time they need. We often underestimate how much difference a little time can make. Things may change, or sometimes they resolve themselves. But once a decision has been made, it is implemented as quickly as possible.   

What is your favorite wine?

A Chardonnay from South Africa or a Rioja.

What projects are you currently working on?

I used to make fun of golf, saying it was a sport for older gentlemen. Ironically, it was our daughters who pushed us to take it up. You could say I am open to new ideas - or that I have simply reached the age to fit my old prejudice. Either way, it's a project that will keep me busy for quite some time.

What do you admire in other people?

Passion and humor.

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

The wide range of different topics that all ultimately interconnect. I like the story of John F. Kennedy's visit to NASA in 1962. While touring the facility, he met a janitor and asked what his job at NASA was. The janitor replied: ”I’m helping put a man on the moon.” NASA managed to make every employee feel part of the greater goal, pulling together toward the same vision. We try to live by a similar philosophy: my role is to align all the different interests. It's not always easy, but that's what makes the job so exciting.

What is your personal drive?

I have spent almost my entire career in asset management. Despite being enormously important for Switzerland, the industry still leads a somewhat shadowy existence compared to banks and insurers - even though these institutions are heavily reliant on asset management. We contribute to economic stability and the creation of long-term value. The capital we all manage has immense transformative power. Together, we can actively shape the world around us and build up a better future.

What are you afraid of?

Stagnation. Our world is moving faster than ever. Just look at what has happened in the field of artificial intelligence over the past two years. A wave of change is coming our way, and we must find ways to handle it as a society and harness the positive aspects. But this requires us to constantly evolve and continue learning.

Your favorite watchbrand?

Apart from my sports watch, I must admit that watches don't mean much  to me.

Do you have an unfulfilled dream you would still like to pursue?

I would like to go skydiving one day. That would probably be a good counterbalance to gold, where the adrenaline level is not quite as high. 

Your best investment?

That was an investment in my health: having my eyes corrected with laser surgery. It is fascinating to see what is possible nowadays. As a leader in thematic investing at Robeco, we are at the forefront of monitoring technological progress across different sectors. The megatrends we will see unfold in the coming years are immense and extremely exciting.

David Hrdina ist General Manager und Vorsitzender des Executive Committee von Robeco Schweiz. Seit 2016 im Unternehmen, war er zuvor Leiter Corporate Services und Finanzen. Davor war er CFO/COO bei Man Fund Management sowie bei Credit Suisse und KPMG tätig. Er hat einen Abschluss in Betriebswirtschaft (Winterthur) und einen Executive MBA in Controlling (Zürich).