Tidjane Thiam, born in 1962 in Côte d’Ivoire, a country in Africa, is a businessman, politician, and mathematician who, among many roles, served as the CEO of Credit Suisse Group, a Swiss financial services company that offers consulting and financial services to clients and businesses. At the time Thiam took over as Chief Executive Officer of the company, he surprised the business world, as he had no experience in banking or with the Swiss group.
Thiam’s career, unlike many CEOs around the world, was very diverse. He worked in the United States, pursued his university studies in France, and held a political role in his native country. Nearly six years at the helm of Credit Suisse Group, along with a strong international reputation, positioned him for that role.
To put it in context, Tidjane Thiam’s family has African roots on both sides. Although Tidjane was born in Côte d’Ivoire, his father was born in Senegal and later emigrated to the neighboring country. Amadou Thiam, his father, had political influence in Côte d’Ivoire, while his uncle, Habib Thia, was the Prime Minister of Senegal.
Thiam’s academic achievement
All this context is important to highlight Tidjane’s journey. He spent most of his teenage years in France, where he later pursued university studies. One of the many milestones he achieved was gaining admission to the École Polytechnique, becoming the first Ivorian to pass the entrance exam. At 20, he accomplished this feat and soon after graduated in Mathematics and Advanced Physics.
He also continued his studies at the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines in Paris before earning a scholarship for Business Administration at INSEAD, a graduate business school in France. By the age of 24, he had completed his studies and then, in 1988, joined McKinsey & Company, the same consulting firm that awarded him the scholarship.
McKinsey & Company is a more globalized consultancy that addresses strategic management issues. During this period, Thiam was moving between Paris and New York due to his work with the firm. However, in 1992, at the age of 32, his path changed drastically when the Ivorian government asked him to return for a strategic and political role.
This experience lasted nearly ten years, after which he returned to the business world, rejoining McKinsey. Nevertheless, with an important background and strong positioning, Aviva, one of the ten most important companies in the world and based in the United Kingdom, reached out to him.
Aviva and Credit Suisse Group
From the moment he joined Aviva, Thiam rose through the ranks, consistently climbing. First as Director of Strategy, then as Director and Manager of Aviva International, until finally becoming Chief Executive Officer. During this time, the Ivorian was approached by Prudential, another high-profile insurance company in the United Kingdom, where he immediately assumed the role of CEO.
As mentioned earlier, Thiam’s career progression and reputation were no coincidence, due to his professional experience in the United States and France. After boosting Prudential’s performance and market share significantly, Credit Suisse Group presented a different, more ambitious opportunity with larger financial stakes.
Thiam entered the Swiss bank as a “strong leader” with a “prestigious track record in financial services.” The decision was made official on March 10, 2015, and it had an immediate impact—Credit Suisse shares rose following the announcement. This was a clear reflection of the global standing Thiam had achieved.
The numbers speak for themselves. From 2016 to 2019, Credit Suisse Group saw significant increases in reputation and assets. All this professional development that the Ivorian consolidated at the Swiss bank earned him the “Banker of the Year” award in 2018, affirming his contributions to the company.
He eventually resigned in 2020 and did not leave as he would have liked. However, he remained in the business elite, specifically in the cabinet of Rwanda, another African country, and also participated in the G20.
Senegalese family, born in Côte d’Ivoire, and holding French citizenship. In addition, he speaks three languages fluently and has been a prominent representative of his country. And so unfolds part of the story of Thiam, distinguished in France for his academic achievements, beginning with American consultancies, spending time with UK insurers, and ultimately leading Credit Suisse Group, a high-level financial service provider.