Chief Executive Officer, Single Family Office, Geneva in Genf

EXCEED has been exclusively retained by a confidential, internationally active single-family office in Geneva to appoint its Chief Executive Officer.

The CEO leads strategy, governance and operations for a multigenerational family's diversified international portfolio, operating businesses, real estate, philanthropy and selected personal affairs, working with the family principals, Family Council and CIO.

Requires 15+ years including senior leadership in an SFO, MFO or comparable private wealth setting; English essential, French strongly preferred; Swiss regulatory knowledge preferred.

Applications close 30 November 2026.

About the job

EXCEED has been exclusively retained by a confidential, internationally active single-family office in Geneva to appoint its Chief Executive Officer.

The family office oversees the financial, corporate and personal interests of a multigenerational family, including a diversified international investment portfolio, private operating businesses, real estate assets, philanthropic activities and selected personal affairs.

The CEO will hold overall responsibility for the leadership, governance and continued professionalisation of the family office.

Working closely with the family principals and Family Council, the successful candidate will translate the family's long-term objectives into a clear strategy, while ensuring disciplined execution across investments, finance, legal affairs, risk, succession planning and family services.

This is a position of considerable trust and responsibility.

It requires an experienced family office executive who combines strong financial and commercial judgement with discretion, diplomacy and a deep understanding of the dynamics surrounding multigenerational wealth.

Responsibilities

• - Lead the family office and assume overall responsibility for its strategy, operations, governance and performance
• - Act as the principal strategic adviser to the family, providing objective and well-considered guidance on financial, corporate and family matters
• - Translate the family's vision, values and long-term objectives into a structured family office strategy
• - Establish clear decision-making processes between the family principals, Family Council, Investment Committee and executive team
• - Oversee the family's global investment portfolio across public markets, private equity, venture capital, real estate, direct investments and alternative assets
• - Work with the Chief Investment Officer and external advisers to define asset allocation, risk parameters and performance objectives
• - Review significant investment opportunities and present clear recommendations to the family and Investment Committee
• - Oversee consolidated financial reporting, treasury, liquidity planning, budgeting and cash-flow management
• - Maintain a comprehensive view of the family's assets, liabilities, operating companies and financial commitments
• - Coordinate legal, tax, fiduciary and estate-planning advisers across multiple jurisdictions
• - Support succession planning, intergenerational wealth transfer and the continued development of family governance
• - Oversee trusts, foundations, holding companies and other family-owned structures in conjunction with specialist advisers
• - Supervise the administration and governance of the family's philanthropic activities
• - Lead, develop and retain a high-calibre internal team across investments, finance, legal, administration and family services
• - Select and manage external banks, asset managers, law firms, trustees, tax advisers and other professional partners
• - Negotiate commercial terms with external providers and ensure appropriate oversight of fees, performance and service quality
• - Establish robust internal controls, compliance procedures, cybersecurity standards and risk-management frameworks
• - Protect the family's privacy, reputation and confidential information
• - Oversee selected personal assets and services, including residences, aviation, art, insurance and security, where required
• - Represent the family office in relationships with financial institutions, co-investors, business leaders and other family offices
• - Provide concise and accurate reporting to the family principals and Family Council
• - Manage sensitive or complex matters calmly, independently and with complete discretion

Job Requirements

• - A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial leadership responsibility
• - Previous experience as a CEO, Managing Director, COO, CFO or senior executive within a single-family office, multifamily office, private investment company or comparable private wealth environment
• - Strong understanding of global investment portfolios, private markets, corporate structures and wealth preservation
• - Demonstrable experience working directly with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs or multigenerational families
• - Experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating advisers across several jurisdictions
• - Sound knowledge of family governance, succession planning, trusts, foundations, tax structures and fiduciary responsibilities
• - Strong financial literacy, with the ability to interpret investment, accounting, tax and legal information
• - Proven ability to assess risk and make balanced, commercially sound decisions
• - Experience implementing professional reporting, governance and internal control frameworks
• - High emotional intelligence and the ability to manage differing expectations among family members
• - Absolute integrity, discretion and loyalty
• - A calm, measured and low-ego leadership style
• - Willingness to be based in Geneva and travel internationally when required
• - Existing knowledge of the Swiss professional and regulatory environment would be strongly preferred

Personal attributes

• - Exceptional judgement and the confidence to provide independent advice, including when that advice may be difficult
• - Ability to distinguish between family, ownership and business considerations
• - Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across generations
• - Diplomatic but direct communication style
• - Long-term orientation, with an appreciation for capital preservation and responsible stewardship
• - Strong organisational skills and close attention to detail
• - Ability to prioritise effectively in an environment where both strategic and personal matters may require attention
• - Commercially minded, practical and comfortable operating without unnecessary bureaucracy
• - Able to introduce structure and accountability while respecting the family's history, culture and established relationships
• - Comfortable remaining behind the scenes and representing the family without seeking personal visibility
• - Strong crisis-management skills and the ability to remain composed under pressure
• - International outlook and cultural sensitivity

Languages

Full professional fluency in English is essential.

Professional fluency in French is strongly preferred.

German, Italian, Arabic or another relevant international language would be advantageous.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, law, accounting or a related discipline.

An MBA, master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.

Relevant professional qualifications, such as CFA, CA, CPA, ACCA, STEP or a recognised legal qualification, would be beneficial.

Evidence of continued professional development in investments, governance, taxation, fiduciary management or family enterprise would be valued.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Application deadline: 30 November 2026.

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