Credit Suisse Communications Executive Departs

Cristina von Bargen, Credit Suisse’s longtime communications chief for the company’s investment bank and the Americas, is leaving the firm, according to an internal memo obtained by DealBook.
The move comes just a year or so after the firm hired Pamela Thomas-Graham to oversee all communications for the firm. Ms. Thomas-Graham is the firm’s “chief talent, branding and communications officer” and oversees human resources, corporate communications, corporate branding and advertising. 

Ms. Thomas-Graham is looking to install a new United States communications chief, which led to this shakeup, according to people close to the firm who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
Charles Naylor, a firm spokesman, said Credit Suisse wished Ms. von Bargen the best in her future endeavors. He said Credit Suisse was looking for a replacement for Ms. von Bargen and hopes to have someone in place by the fall of 2011.

Ms. von Bargen is a well-known figure in Wall Street public relations circles. She joined Credit Suisse in 1998 from Salomon Brothers.
At Credit Suisse she advised a number of top executives and helped guide the firm through the technology boom and bust.

A copy of the memo is below:
Cristina von Bargen, Head of Corporate Communications for the Investment Bank and for the Americas Region, will be leaving Credit Suisse in May. Cristina will support Charles Naylor and the Corporate Communications team until her replacement is announced.
Cristina joined Credit Suisse in 1998 from Salomon Smith Barney. Over the past 12 years, Cristina developed and led the Investment Bank’s global communications function, a team that now encompasses internal and executive communications, media relations, marketing, advertising and sponsorship. In 2005, Cristina’s role expanded to include management of communications in the Americas region for Private Banking and Asset Management in addition to Investment Banking.

Cristina and her global team have guided the Investment Bank’s internal and external communications effort for more than a decade. Her good judgment has served Credit Suisse through leadership changes, major acquisitions, regulatory issues and the One Bank integration. Most recently, Cristina and her team effectively positioned the Investment Bank as one of the strongest players to emerge from the global financial crisis, promoting our market share gains and helping Credit Suisse sweep several best-in-class industry awards. A strategic communications advisor to the Investment Bank and Credit Suisse senior management and a well-respected leader, Cristina’s professionalism, collegiality and wise counsel will be missed.