Our People

Our strength lies in our people. With deep expertise, a global perspective, and an entrepreneurial spirit, our teams drive innovation and execution across all markets. Collaboration, accountability, and excellence define our culture.

Led by industry visionaries, our team brings decades of expertise in investment, strategy, and market leadership. With a sharp focus on performance and innovation, they steer SWI Group towards sustained growth and institutional impact.

Group Strategy CommitteeGroup Executive Committee

Group Executive Committee

The Group Executive Committee oversees SWI Group’s day-to-day operations, ensuring strategic execution, operational excellence, and business growth. It plays a crucial role in implementing the company’s investment vision and managing key corporate functions, ensuring seamless alignment with SWI Group’s long-term strategy.

Mark McLaughlin

Head of Real Assets

Mark McLaughlin brings extensive experience in real estate investment, platform development, and strategic growth. With a track record of overseeing more than €5 billion in transactions across Europe, he has successfully built and scaled investment platforms, delivering long-term value for investors and partners. Before founding MC Property, Mark held various leadership positions, including Managing Director, Europe at Cromwell Property Group, responsible for €4 billion in Assets Under Management across 12 European countries, with a focus on Core+ and Value-Add strategies. At SWI Group, Mark leads the Real Assets Business Unit, where he oversees operations, capital relationships, investment strategies, and growth initiatives.

Mark McLaughlin

Head of Real Assets

Rafael Cerezo

Head of Alternatives

Rafael Cerezo has extensive experience in investment management, special situations, and restructuring. He began his career at Barclays Plc before spending over 15 years at M&G Investments, where he was a senior investor and fund manager, most recently serving as co-head of the restructuring and special situations team in London. At SWI Group, Rafael leads Alternatives alongside Bruno Vannini, overseeing investment operations, capital relationships, and strategic growth initiatives across private equity, venture capital, liquid strategies, and special situations.

Rafael Cerezo

Head of Alternatives

Bruno Vannini

Head of Alternatives

Bruno Vannini has extensive experience in infrastructure, data centres, and real estate investments, with a strong background in strategic transactions and project management. Before joining SWI Group, he held senior roles at SBKG & Associés, Clifford Chance, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, where he provided legal counsel on high-profile investments. He also served as a Board Member at Globe Trade Centre, contributing to international trade and investment strategies. At SWI Group, Bruno leads Alternatives alongside Rafael Cerezo, overseeing investment operations, capital relationships, and strategic growth initiatives across private equity, venture capital, liquid strategies, and special situations.

Bruno Vannini

Head of Alternatives

Rui Inácio

Head of Group Operations

Rui Inácio has a strong background in real estate investment and fund management. He previously co-managed Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate SICAV, a Swiss-listed real estate fund with over €800 million in assets, and was a member of the Management Supervision Committee and Pension Fund Real Estate Committee. At SWI Group, Rui leads Group Operations, overseeing IT, ESG, HR, and Legal & Compliance, ensuring operational efficiency and strategic alignment across the organisation. He is responsible for implementing key initiatives from the Group Strategy Committee and optimising business processes. He holds a Master’s in Business Management from the University of Geneva.

Rui Inácio

Head of Group Operations

Yvan Mermod

Head of Group Corporate Finance

Yvan Mermod has a strong background in investment management, corporate finance, and risk oversight. Previously, he was a Partner at KPMG Switzerland, leading the Investment Management sector for French-speaking Switzerland, with expertise in regulatory requirements, corporate governance, risk management, and internal controls. At SWI Group, Yvan oversees Group Corporate Finance alongside Alexandre Piechaud, ensuring financial stability, risk management, and regulatory compliance across the organisation.

Yvan Mermod

Head of Group Corporate Finance

Alexandre Piechaud

Head of Group Corporate Finance

Alexandre Piechaud leads Icona Capital’s Finance and Operations, providing seamless management and strategic oversight. Prior to joining Icona Capital, he was Managing Partner at Ultima Collection, where he oversaw financial operations, facilitated company growth, and managed its successful sale and transition to new ownership. At SWI Group, Alexandre oversees Group Corporate Finance alongside Yvan Mermod, ensuring financial stability, risk management, and regulatory compliance across the organisation.

Alexandre Piechaud

Head of Group Corporate Finance

Michala Chatel

Head of Group Marketing

Michala Chatel has extensive experience in marketing, brand strategy, and communications across the luxury, travel, and corporate sectors. Previously, she was Managing Partner at Ultima Collection, overseeing global operations and brand management. She has also held key roles at The Travel Corporation, IATA, Clarins Fragrance Group, and IBM Software Group. At SWI Group, Michala leads marketing, brand positioning, and communications, overseeing campaigns, digital marketing, and strategic initiatives to strengthen the group’s institutional presence.

Michala Chatel

Head of Group Marketing

Gregorio Pérez

Head of Group Capital Management

Gregorio Pérez has a background in engineering and investment finance, with over 17 years of experience in financial services. Previously, he was Managing Director at Expert Timing Systems, an investment advisory firm in Madrid. He holds an MSc from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. At SWI Group, Gregorio leads Group Capital Management, overseeing strategic capital oversight, key investor relationships, and capital strategy development, while heading the Investor Relations team.

Gregorio Pérez

Head of Group Capital Management