Chief Executive Officer, Single-Family Office

Location

Geneva

Department

Finance

Type

Full - Time

Application deadline

November 30, 2026

Job Description

Posted on:

September 14, 2026

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

‍

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

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

Other Compensation

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

Apply now