Dense Crema & Digitization

A short stop at 10:17 p.m. at the typical Italian highway rest stop Autogrill, just before the border. The lady behind the counter - in thoroughly styled in turquoise - is everything in one person: saleswoman, cashier, panini toaster and, of course, barista. The dark Italian roast of the coffee bean has the power and is served with a smile.

In Austria, the coffee at the rest stop would come from a pod or fully automatic machine, handed over by the gas station attendant or the store employee. Even though coffee culture is advancing in this country and promoting the so-called third wave of coffee, it wants to deliver highest quality coffee. The result when taking a break on the highway is currently (still) stable and... boring.

In Italy, on the other hand, the barista operates a porta filter machine and a coffee grinder. The secret of good coffee lies in the virtuoso cycle of high sales of espresso, macchiato and cappuccino. As a result, the grinder and machine are well adjusted, always at optimum operating temperature, and the beans stay fresh. The baristas master every move - even at night when there is less going on. The result is an intense aroma and dense crema; anything but boring.

Continuous improvement for the better

Are we as good as we can be at every turn? Where is potential for further development? Potentially a lost year if we do not find anything. Continuous improvement for our customers is the goal here. No revolution, but constant evolution is the mindset.

This starts with internal processes and ends with external changes. Just take the digitization in the many areas of our lives. We are concerned about this, as the digital processes in customer relationships are also becoming increasingly important. That is why we have created a critical new role for this area and settled within the Management Board of Bank Gutmann AG, the Chief Technology & Information Officer (CTIO).

Proven knowledge, new ways

The Supervisory Board has appointed Stephan Wasmayer, a long-standing partner of the bank and experienced asset manager, to the Management Board. This will ensure that we bridge the gap between digital processes and our core business.

Founded in 1922, Bank Gutmann has focused on asset management and investment advisory services for over 30 years. Stephan Wasmayer has been with the Gutmann Group since 1997 and has helped, and is helping to shape its path over the long term.

Many of the bank's partners have held various positions for decades - that is one of our strengths as a focused private bank. This focus has always been with a reference to the asset management of our customers - after all, we are not a universal bank.

This gives rise to in-depth knowledge on the part of the experts, which we put to work for you, the Gutmann customer.

The right mixture makes it

Of course, you cannot just stew in your own juice - blood refreshment is important. I had to write that now, after all, with two years of Gutmann experience, I am a true youngster. With over 30 years of expertise in the financial markets, I unfortunately no longer look like one, but I can give a new (Gutmann) viewpoint here and there.

A good time to say thank you: after all, you have been reading my thoughts and insights for 49 newsletters (next week is a decadal birthday!). These are a mixture of different beans and roasts. Sometimes with milk, sometimes without, and sometimes with an extra dense crema, mhhh. So that every week is provided for variety and hopefully a smile.

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