Chief Risk Officer

Job Description

The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading the groups risk management framework across all asset classes with a strong emphasis on private market investments particularly in real estate and private equity. The role is based in the Zurich area and offers close collaboration with the family board and senior investment professionals. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying assessing monitoring and mitigating risks across investment operational financial and governance dimensions. This is a key leadership position requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on engagement within a lean entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Risk Strategy & Governance

  • Maintain a comprehensive risk management framework tailored to the family holdings investment profile and governance structure.

  • Advise the Board and senior management on risk appetite tolerance and mitigation strategies.

  • Establish clear risk policies and reporting standards aligned with best practices and regulatory expectations.

• Investment & Portfolio Risk Oversight

  • Evaluate and monitor risks associated with real estate and private equity investments (market valuation liquidity leverage counterparty and concentration risks).

  • Support due diligence processes for new investments ensuring alignment with the groups risk appetite and long-term objectives.

  • Evaluate tools and dashboards to track portfolio exposure stress testing and scenario analysis.

• Operational & Compliance Risk

  • Identify and mitigate operational risks across the holding and its investment entities.

  • Ensure compliance with relevant Swiss and international regulations.

  • Oversee internal controls audit processes and business continuity planning.

• Reporting & Communication

  • Prepare regular risk reports for the Board and investment committees.

  • Provide strategic insights on emerging risks market trends and regulatory developments.

  • Foster a risk-aware culture throughout the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10 years of relevant experience in risk management investment oversight or financial control ideally within real estate and private equity.

• Deep understanding of private markets including valuation structuring and liquidity dynamics.

• Proven ability to design and implement risk frameworks from the ground up.

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with experience using risk management and reporting tools.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage with both investment professionals and family principals.

• Fluency in English is required; German proficiency is highly desirable.

• Advanced degree in Finance Economics Risk Management or related fields; relevant professional certifications (e.g. FRM CFA CAIA) are a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.

• strong resilience under pressure

• High integrity discretion and sound judgment.

• Structured mindset suited to a lean dynamic and privately held environment.

• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

Compensation

An attractive remuneration package will be offered commensurate with experience and aligned with the responsibilities of the role.

The role is Based in the Zurich area