Leasing as a Strategic Leadership and Governance Topic
Leasing has long evolved beyond a purely operational financing instrument. Within banks, leasing companies, captives, financial service providers, and industry-related financing units, leasing has become a strategic business field that significantly influences revenue models, risk allocation, balance sheet management, and customer retention.
The Swiss leasing market underscores this relevance: With a total volume of approximately CHF 20 billion, around 65% of which is attributable to vehicle leasing, leasing represents a central pillar of corporate financing.
Wirz & Partners supports organizations in filling executive and key leadership positions in the leasing environment – where investment decisions, risk management, structuring expertise, and market development converge.
Why Talent Demand in Leasing Is Increasing
The leasing market is undergoing profound structural change. Regulatory requirements such as FINMA guidelines as well as accounting standards under IFRS 16 and Swiss GAAP FER have significantly increased complexity. In addition, rising capital and risk costs, shorter technology cycles, and the shift toward usage-based business models are reshaping the market.
Digitalization is fundamentally transforming the industry: platform models, automated credit assessments, and data-driven processes are accelerating decision-making and require new skill sets. At the same time, sustainability is gaining importance – green leasing for e-mobility and energy-efficient assets has moved well beyond a niche application.
For many providers, this means:
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Leasing must be scaled profitably
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Risks must be managed with greater precision
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Products and structures must be developed close to both customers and assets
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Organizations require leaders who do not merely administer leasing operations, but actively develop them strategically
As a result, there is a clear and growing demand for experienced professionals and executives with deep expertise in leasing, financing, and risk management. Beyond classical financial skills, capabilities in data analytics, compliance, and digital transformation have become essential.
Typical Mandates and Roles in the Leasing Environment
Our executive search mandates in the leasing context include, among others:
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Head of Leasing / Head of Leasing Business – overall responsibility for strategy, product development, sales, and financial performance
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Head of Asset Finance / Investment Leasing – management of machinery, equipment, or movable asset leasing portfolios
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Credit & Risk Lead Leasing – credit assessment, deal structuring, risk models, and portfolio quality
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Portfolio & Performance Manager Leasing – optimization of portfolios, pricing, maturities, and residual value risks
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Structuring & Transaction Manager – development of complex leasing and vendor financing solutions
These roles are found across banks, specialized leasing companies, captives, and industry-related financing platforms.
Leasing in the Swiss Market – A Demanding Environment
In Switzerland, leasing is firmly established across industries such as manufacturing, mechanical engineering, mobility, IT, medical technology, and infrastructure. At the same time, the market is highly regulated, competitive, and characterized by strict quality standards. Organizations face the challenge of identifying professionals who combine financial and technical expertise with a solid understanding of assets, markets, and customers—complemented by digital and regulatory capabilities.
Key Leasing Providers in Switzerland
The Swiss leasing market is shaped by a mix of independent leasing banks, captive finance companies, and large financial institutions. Leading providers include:
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Cembra Money Bank
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AMAG Leasing
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BMW Financial Services
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Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
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MultiLease (Emil Frey Group)
These players cover a broad spectrum—from vehicle leasing and fleet management to complex investment asset financing. Captive finance companies such as AMAG or BMW Financial Services differentiate themselves through brand-specific offerings, while independent providers like Cembra or ALD Automotive deliver flexible solutions across multiple industries.
Our Executive Search Approach for Leasing Roles
Wirz & Partners combines deep insight into financing and leasing models with a structured executive search methodology. We support our clients in:
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defining search profiles that are realistic and closely aligned with market conditions
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proactively approaching passive candidates with relevant leasing expertise
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thoroughly assessing leadership capability, risk awareness, and decision-making strength
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executing search mandates discreetly and sustainably
We act as a trusted sparring partner at eye level—particularly for complex or confidential assignments.
Looking to strengthen your leadership team in leasing?
Whether Head of Leasing, Risk Lead, or Portfolio Manager, we support you in identifying leaders who do not merely manage leasing operations, but actively develop and advance them.