Société Générale has taken a significant step to strengthen its leadership by appointing Lubomira Rochet as the Deputy General Manager, effective April 2025. This move is part of the bank's strategic initiative to bolster its retail banking operations, private banking, and insurance sectors within France.
According to the bank's official announcement, Rochet will work closely with Slawomir Krupa, the Group's General Manager, to supervise various aspects of retail banking, including the SG network and BoursoBank. She will also oversee the Chief Operating Office functions encompassing technology, purchasing, and real estate.
Lubomira Rochet's professional background is impressive, holding significant leadership roles over her career, including her tenure as the digital transformation leader at L'Oréal from 2014 to 2021. Her expertise lies not only in business transformation but also within the realms of digital activities. Before this role, she was the CEO of the digital marketing agency Valtech and served on the board of Société Générale as an independent director until 2024.
Krupa expressed his enthusiasm about Rochet's appointment, stating, "I am very happy to announce the arrival of Lubomira Rochet to our Executive Committee. She will support me in overseeing our retail banking operations and will provide her expertise to our projects for developing retail banking activities and technological transformation of the Group." He added, "Her talent and creativity will significantly enrich our management team, combining diverse competencies and experiences."
Rochet's mission is clear: to contribute to the enhancement of customer experience, operational effectiveness, and growth within the bank’s retail divisions. This is particularly relevant as Société Générale aims to navigate the rapidly changing financial services industry and respond to the demands of its approximately 25 million clients across 65 countries.
The transformation Rochet spearheaded at L'Oréal is remarkable. During her tenure, she was instrumental in integrating digital technologies, which not only improved customer engagement but also optimized business processes. This experience is expected to translate well at Société Générale, particularly as the bank seeks to adapt to digital transformation trends and consumer behavior changes.
Having spent years at the forefront of technological advancements, Rochet brings valuable insights. Her educational background includes prestigious institutions such as the École Normale Supérieure of Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po Paris, and the College of Europe, where she refined her skills and knowledge.
Rochet's appointment also signifies Société Générale's commitment to gender diversity within its executive ranks. With this shift, the bank aims to not only leverage her expertise but also to embody progressive leadership dynamics, particularly following the departures of Claire Dumas and Marie-Christine Ducholet from the executive committee.
Also noteworthy is the potential shift of Alexis Kohler, the current Secretary General of the Elysée, to join Société Générale, possibly to oversee retail banking operations. This report, as cited by the French publication l'Opinion, could indicate the bank’s push for high-profile leadership to strengthen its market position.
Despite changes at the top, Société Générale remains steadfast with its operational pillars. The bank is recognized for its range of financial services, structured across Retail Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and International Retail Banking segments. Overall, it aims to find the right balance between maintaining traditional banking values and integrating innovative technologies to serve its customers more efficiently.
Overall, Lubomira Rochet's arrival at Société Générale highlights the bank's proactive efforts to refine its retail banking strategy, adopt cutting-edge technology, and prioritize customer satisfaction amid the competitive banking environment. Her appointment not only reshapes the leadership structure but also reinforces the bank's commitment to enhancing its operational effectiveness as it looks toward the future.