Degroof Petercam has appointed Sylvie Huret as its new chief executive, succeeding Hugo Lasat, who will step down at the end of 2024 after three years at the helm. The move marks a pivotal moment in the bank’s integration with Indosuez Wealth Management, the wealth management arm of France’s Crédit Agricole.
Huret, who has been with the firm since 1994, takes the reins as Degroof Petercam continues its strategic alignment with Indosuez, following the 1.5 billion euro acquisition announced in August 2023. The combined entity manages 200 billion in assets across 16 regions, strengthening its foothold in Europe’s competitive wealth management market.
Jean-Christophe Droguet, currently CFO at Indosuez, has been nominated as deputy CEO. Together, Huret and Droguet are tasked with overseeing the integration process and driving growth. Their appointments are subject to approval by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Lasat, who joined Petercam Institutional Asset Management in 2011 and became CEO of Degroof Petercam in 2021, was credited for his role in modernising the bank’s IT infrastructure and facilitating the merger with Indosuez. In a farewell note, Lasat reflected on his tenure, calling it a “privilege” to serve the institution and expressing his continued passion for business development and wealth management.
Preserving Belgian heritage
Huret outlined her vision for Degroof Petercam, focusing on three key priorities: expanding the bank’s international services, preserving its Belgian heritage, and investing in talent. “We have everything in place to lead Degroof Petercam into a new phase of growth,” she stated.
Jacques Prost, CEO of Indosuez Wealth Management, expressed confidence in the new leadership, saying in a press release that “Sylvie Huret and Jean-Christophe Droguet will bring Degroof Petercam closer to its clients and ensure the successful integration within the group.”
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