Deutsche Bank today announced that Simone Kämpfer will join Deutsche Bank as General Counsel, effective September 15, 2025. She will also become a member of the Group Management Committee. Simone Kämpfer succeeds Friederike Rotsch who has decided to leave the bank to pursue new opportunities. She joined Deutsche Bank in September 2023 and has played an important role in Deutsche Bank’s efforts to reduce litigation risks.
Simone Kämpfer is currently one of the most senior partners at Freshfields, where she leads the firm’s White-Collar Defence practice in Continental Europe. A former public prosecutor, she is widely recognized as one of Germany’s foremost experts in commercial law and compliance, with extensive experience advising companies on regulatory matters, governance and investigations. She is also a board member of the investment firm Droege Group.
“Friederike has made a significant contribution to Deutsche Bank during her tenure. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in dealing with complex legacy cases, navigating a complex environment and shaping our Legal & Group Governance function for the future. We thank her for her dedication and wish her continued success in her future endeavours,” said Christian Sewing, Chief Executive Officer. “At the same time, I am delighted that we could appoint a strong successor. Simone brings a wealth of experience in various areas of commercial law and a strong track record in legal leadership. Her widely recognized expertise will be invaluable as we continue to further evolve our Legal department and support the bank’s long-term growth.”
Simone Kämpfer will be based in Frankfurt and report directly to Christian Sewing.
Deutsche Bank also announced a leadership change within its Compliance & Anti-Financial Crime division. Nita Patel, Head of Anti-Financial Crime and Group Anti-Money Laundering Officer, has decided to leave the bank for personal reasons. Since joining the bank in September 2024, she has reshaped the Anti-Financial Crime division and strengthened its capabilities as a proactive risk management function to protect the bank’s clients in all market conditions.
As Nita Patel’s successor, effective August 1, Deutsche Bank appointed Ralph Nash, who joined the bank in May as Head of AFC EMEA and Global Head of Regions and Standards. He brings over 30 years of banking and regulatory experience, and previously held senior risk, compliance and anti-financial crime roles at HSBC.
“We are grateful to Nita for her dedication and achievements that have strengthened our Anti-Financial Crime function,” said Laura Padovani, member of the Management Board and Chief Compliance & Anti-Financial Crime Officer. “She hands over a function that is more robust and better able to anticipate risks for the benefit of our clients. I wish her every success in future.”
Padovani continued: “Ralph is a well-respected risk management leader who has proven he can deliver lasting change in global organisations. With his extensive experience, and a strong team behind him, we are well-positioned to continue advancing our efforts in financial crime prevention.”
Ralph Nash will be based in Frankfurt and report directly to Laura Padovani.
