The Swiss National Bank will see a top leadership change by year-end as Chief Economist Carlos Lenz plans to retire after holding the central bank’s top economic research role for several years. Lenz’s team produces analysis that underpins SNB monetary policy decisions, including interest rate settings and currency market interventions. Martin Brown will take over the chief economist position when Lenz departs.

Martin Brown currently serves as director of the Swiss National Bank’s academic research unit, a role he will vacate to step into the chief economist seat. The research institution produces independent economic studies and forecasts used by SNB policymakers to guide interest rate adjustments and currency intervention choices that affect Swiss markets. He takes over the role immediately upon Lenz’s exit.

The chief economist role at the Swiss National Bank carries weight with global investors, as SNB policy shifts move the Swiss franc and impact export-heavy Swiss equities and corporate earnings. Lenz’s departure at year-end closes a tenure focused on rigorous economic analysis, with Brown bringing deep research leadership experience from his current academic research directorship to the position.