Bernhofer to take over from Schenk as CEO of Real IS

She succeeds Jochen Schenk, who is stepping down after a long tenure as CEO. Schenk will remain involved in the real estate sector in a non-operational capacity following his retirement.

Bernhofer previously served as CEO of Swiss Life KVG from 2016 to 2023 and additionally held the COO position at Swiss Life Asset Managers Germany since 2019. 

Her career also includes leadership roles at UBS, where she oversaw fund operations for real estate across Europe and served as managing director (CFO/COO) at UBS Real Estate Kapitalanlagegesellschaft and TMW Pramerica Property Investment.

Bernhofer will continue to be a management board member of Real IS Group alongside deputy CEO Bernd Lönner. A selection procedure for a third member of the management board is already underway, with a focus on investment and asset management.

Gero Bergmann, member of the board of management of BayernLB and chairperson of the supervisory board of Real IS Group, said: ‘Christine Bernhofer is an outstanding senior executive with extensive management board experience. She has excellent, wide-ranging professional expertise for leading an investment management company. In her new role, she will lead the Real IS. Group to continued success along with the other members of the Management Board.’

Bernhofer added: ‘Being close to our clients and understanding their needs is of central importance to Real IS. This is why especially resilience and active asset management are two important keys to success in today’s investment environment. However, resilience also means the strength and far-sightedness to seize opportunities in the market.’

Real IS is not only transitioning to new leadership but also undergoing a significant digital transformation to become a smarter investment manager. This transformation is being driven by a comprehensive program led by Stephan Mühlbauer, who holds the dual role of chief representative of Real IS and managing director at Real IS Investment.