Jean-Pierre Roth, born in 1946 in Sierre, Switzerland, is a prominent figure in Swiss banking with a career spanning several decades, marked by his leadership at the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and his influence on global financial policy. Roth earned a doctorate in economics from the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva and pursued further studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His academic foundation, combined with subsequent teaching roles at the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, solidified his expertise in economics and financial systems.
Jean-Pierre Roth began his tenure at the SNB in 1979, initially as an economist in the Research Department, and steadily advanced through various key positions within the organisation. In 1996, he was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Governing Board, where he led the SNB’s capital markets and currency operations, alongside overseeing the national gold reserves. His insights and leadership were pivotal during this period, particularly in strengthening Switzerland’s financial system. On 1 January , 2001, Jean-Pierre Roth became Chairman of the SNB Governing Board, a role he held until his retirement in 2009. During his chairmanship, he oversaw critical economic and financial policies, steering Switzerland’s economy through global challenges, notably during the 2008 financial crisis, and implementing measures to restore public confidence in the Swiss banking system.
Between 2001 and 2009, Jean-Pierre Roth represented Switzerland as a Governor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and chaired the Board of Directors of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). His efforts extended to the Financial Stability Board, where he promoted cross-border financial collaboration and regulatory oversight in response to global financial instability. Jean-Pierre Roth’s approach to economic governance highlighted his commitment to stability and resilience within both Swiss and international markets.
After retiring from the SNB, Jean-Pierre Roth transitioned to the private sector, joining the boards of several major companies, including Nestlé, Swatch Group, and Arab Bank (Switzerland), and serving as Chairman of the Banque Cantonale de Genève until 2017. Through his board roles, Jean-Pierre Roth has continued to shape corporate governance and economic strategy in Switzerland.
Jean-Pierre Roth is married to Floriane Tognetti, and they have three adult children. Residing in Geneva, he remains an influential voice in Swiss finance, respected for his contributions to banking and economic policy.
