Information checkedInformation unaudited Information geprüft Information ungeprüft Urs says goodbye – and Michael says hello
After 30 years at LLB, Urs Müller is heading into a well-deserved retirement. His successor, Michael Hartmann, is already waiting in the wings. In this interview, Urs Müller reflects on his time at LLB, shares personal insights, and offers Michael Hartmann a few words of advice for the future.
Three decades at LLB – countless encounters, conversations, and shared experiences. Now, a transition is on the horizon: On 1 July 2025, Urs Müller will hand over the management of the Private and Corporate Clients Division to Michael Hartmann. In this mix of reflection and outlook, Urs Müller shares his experiences and offers his successor valuable advice for the road ahead.
Urs, 30 years at LLB – when you look back on this time, what prevails: pride, nostalgia, or anticipation for whatʼs to come?
Probably a bit of everything. Pride in what we have achieved together, nostalgia because I am leaving behind many valued colleagues, and anticipation for the new and exciting chapter ahead. But above all, I feel gratitude. Gratitude for the people who have accompanied me and for the experiences that have shaped me.
Is there a particular moment that stands out in your memory?
There are many. My first day at work, the mandate to introduce Compliance, the formation of the first LLB fund, the sale of individual Group companies, my appointment to the Executive Board, navigating the US issue, and major projects in recent years – such as the transformation of Bank Linth into LLB Switzerland, the expansion into Germany, and many more.
You are handing over the management of the Private and Corporate Clients Division to Michael Hartmann. What expectations do you have of your successor?
Itʼs not for me to set expectations for him. I am convinced that Michael is exactly the right choice for this role. He brings not only extensive experience and expertise but also a fresh perspective from outside the organisation. And – most importantly – he is a great cultural fit for LLB.
Do you have any special advice for him?
Advice is always a tricky thing – it doesnʼt always work and often doesnʼt fit every situation. I can only share what has worked for me. My guiding principles have always been passion, authenticity, and integrity. These values have served me well for 30 years.
What do you wish Michael for his start at LLB?
I wish for him that he can continue to shape and build on LLB Groupʼs success story. Many key foundations have been laid for the Groupʼs continued sustainable growth. But new challenges will inevitably arise – some of which we may not even see yet. I wish Michael every success and, just as importantly, enjoyment in his new role.
And whatʼs next on your agenda?
First, take a deep breath, pause for a moment – and most importantly, resist the temptation to fill my schedule too quickly!
After so many years of experiences, encounters, and milestones, itʼs time to close one chapter and begin a new one. Urs, we thank you for everything and wish you a future full of new adventures, joy, and relaxation. And Michael – welcome aboard! We look forward to the journey ahead.
About Michael Hartmann
Michael Hartmann (born 1970) entered a commercial apprenticeship in notarial services in 1986, during which he gained in-depth knowledge of the real estate business. He completed his qualifications in 1997 as a Swiss-certified banker, and he graduated from the Executive Program at the Swiss Finance Institute (SFI) in Zurich. In 2012, he completed the NDS Executive Master of Finance at the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich.
In 1989, he began his career at Zürcher Kantonalbank in lending and business clients, where he quickly took on responsibility for both retail and corporate clients.
From 1999 to 2012, he gained extensive expertise in the corporate client business through various management roles at Zürcher Kantonalbank. Following a project assignment at Citigroup in London, he became the head of construction and real estate corporate clients at Zürcher Kantonalbank in 2006. In this role, he was responsible for providing comprehensive advisory services to companies in the construction and real estate sectors, as well as managing large-scale real estate financing transactions. As branch manager in Kloten from 2008 to 2012, Hartmann was also responsible for the holistic management of high-net-worth individuals.
Michael Hartmann was part of the founding team of MoneyPark in 2012. As head of sales and a member of the executive board, he was responsible for establishing the nationwide sales network. He then led the development of the new corporate clients business area as head of corporate & institutional clients until 2019.
Since 2020, he has served as the market head of private banking in the Zurich West region at Zürcher Kantonalbank.