The Swiss Private Bankers Association has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of Nello Castelli as assistant secretary general to the organisation.

Castelli has extensive experience in public affairs, the organisation said in a statement. He was latterly representative of French-speaking Switzerland for the SPBA’s national executive board, responsible for public affairs and communication for the French and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland. Prior to this he was secretary general for the canton of Valais at santésuisse.

In his new role Castelli will focus on political issues related to the Swiss financial centre at federal level. In particular, he will maintain liaison with Members of Parliament. He will also be a member of the Swiss Bankers' Association's commissions and working groups dealing with political and economic issues.

Castelli reports to Michel Dérobert, secretary general of the SPBA; for media-related matters he will work with Chantal Bourquin, head of communications.