Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken : Robert Bergqvist to Assume New Role as Senior Economist Within SEB

Robert Bergqvist has chosen to step down from his role as SEB's Chief Economist after more than 13 years and will assume a new role as Senior Economist within the bank.

Robert Bergqvist started at SEB in 1997 and became SEB's Chief Economist in 2007, just before the global financial crisis hit. Since then, he has helped SEB's clients understand and navigate every aspect of economic developments, including the European sovereign debt crisis, the ongoing Brexit process, central banks' unprecedented quantitative easing and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis it has resulted in. During his time as Chief Economist, Robert Bergqvist has covered three Swedish general elections and four US presidential elections, overseen more than 50 Nordic Outlook reports, and also met thousands of clients every year.

'After more than 13 exciting and rewarding years as SEB's Chief Economist, I feel that now is a good time to pass on the baton to someone else,' says Robert Bergqvist. 'I have loved every minute of my job and I look forward to continuing to support SEB's clients, to help households and companies understand economic developments, and to actively engage in the economic debate in my new role as Senior Economist - a position that will allow me to focus more in depth at certain areas.'

'Robert Bergqvist has made an enormous contribution over the years and been of immense importance and value to the bank and our clients,' says Johan Torgeby, SEB's President and CEO. 'As one of the world's leading experts on the Swedish and Nordic economies, he has advanced SEB's position within macro research and has become a household name in the process. On a more personal level, I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas about the Nordic and global economies with Robert and look forward to continue to do so.'

'Robert Bergqvist's insights and integrity have been invaluable to SEB and our clients in navigating the unprecedented events of recent years - from the financial crisis of 2008 to the European sovereign debt crises, quantitative easing, Brexit and most recently COVID-19 and the global response,' says Joachim Alpen, co-Head of Large Corporates & Financial Institutions at SEB. 'We are delighted that his knowledge and experience remain within the team and at the disposal of our clients.'

SEB will now start the recruitment process for a new Chief Economist. Robert Bergqvist will continue in the role as Chief Economist until a replacement has been appointed.