In 2008, Deutsche Bank suffered its first annual loss since World War II. For CEO Josef Ackermann, 61, it was a wrenching experience. But having led the bank through the worst global financial storm in 70 years, he stands to reap the fruits of recovering markets.
Deutsche’s profits have rebounded strongly, and Ackermann has been able to renew his contract for three more years. A rare breed of player-coach, he combines managing a global investment bank with chatting up clients. Long active in industry associations, he has spoken out on, among other topics, the justification for bankers’ compensation.
Now Ackermann is well positioned to lead Deutsche from trading powerhouse to balanced financial services firm and perhaps ensure his legacy in the process.
