Frank is discovering a new world with every career step

Can you work at the same company for years and still experience the extraordinary and unexpected? This is everyday life for Frank. He says, “Deutsche Bank offers enough career opportunities for more than one professional life.”

After completing his training, Frank's career begins in the traditional way as a bank clerk: he went to college, worked part-time in the securities sector, then graduated and ultimately earned a doctorate. He spent a short stint in the trading department of another big bank, but then it was time for a new challenge – it was time for Deutsche Bank.

Frank joined Deutsche Bank in 2000, during a phase of restructuring that would be the first of many to follow over the years. “The financial world changes all the time, so you always need to make strategic adjustments, but you always get new perspectives and opportunities as well.” Various responsibilities were consolidated during this period to create the Global Transaction Banking division (now the Corporate Bank). As an executive assistant, Frank experienced the realignment first hand and helped it along. Over time, one thing became very clear to him: “Deutsche Bank’s home market is in Germany, but at heart it’s a global bank through and through.”

As COO for corporate clients in the Corporate Bank, Frank faced the challenges of the financial crisis. His career took him to London and finally, in 2012, to the USA. Frank moved to New York as Regional COO and Head of Strategic Development. As part of a bank-wide initiative, his job was to identify growth areas in North and South America, but also to boost profitability and strengthen risk management, especially for non-financial risks. For example, euro and US dollar clearing are increasingly consolidated markets, and many banks are pulling out of them. This offers economic opportunities for Deutsche Bank, but it also poses risks and involves responsibilities that go beyond banking: “Economically weaker regions and countries need to be able to participate in payment transactions to share in global trade and economic growth."

Frank’s time in New York was very formative. He was affected by the city and the “American way of life” – and by many conversations with colleagues, business partners and acquaintances. These talks quickly moved beyond the purely professional realm. Contact with his Jewish neighbours, for example, offered plenty of food for thought – regarding history, heritage and his own self-image. For Frank, life as a German abroad was a never-ending learning process. “America, and New York in particular, gave me a new perspective on my own cultural identity.”

Frank has been back since 2017. The bank’s Career Mobility Team recommended that he make at least a short stopover in Germany after having spent so many years overseas. The team also helped him review his options and opportunities. And once again, his responsibilities at Deutsche Bank have become a personal journey of discovery. “This is actually the first time during my time at the bank that I’ve communicated almost exclusively in German.” He previously had almost no professional involvement with Deutsche Bank’s personal banking business, so Postbank – which he is now helping to integrate as Managing Director – is literally uncharted territory for him. “Getting to grips with a new corporate culture is extremely exciting, and I’m having fascinating new experiences almost every single day.” Failure is not an option for him here. "So many expectations are pinned on this project, and a lot is riding on its success, both for the bank and the employees. I want to use my knowledge and experience to contribute to this success.”

What could be more rewarding than combining professional success with personal and social value?