Deutsche Bank is mourning the loss of its former Management Board member, Frank Strauss, who passed away last week at the age of 54. Strauss served as CEO of Postbank for six years and was a member of the Management Board of Deutsche Bank for two years.
“It is with dismay and deep sadness that I and many Deutsche Bank colleagues learned of the premature death of Frank Strauss,” said CEO Christian Sewing. “Over nearly 30 years at Deutsche Bank and Postbank, he served with great merit, particularly in our retail banking business. He was a valued colleague to many of us and to me personally. We will honor Frank Strauss’ memory. Our thoughts are with his wife, children, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Frank Strauss was a significant figure in the banking industry, known for his dedication and leadership. He began his career in banking after completing his training as a bank clerk in Iserlohn. In 1995, he moved to Frankfurt, where he took on various management roles at Deutsche Bank and its former subsidiary, Deutsche Bank 24.
In 2006, Strauss took over the management of the private and business customer division in Deutsche Bank’s German home market. His leadership skills and innovative approach to retail banking earned him recognition and respect within the industry. In 2011, he transitioned to Postbank as a Management Board member responsible for sales. His strategic vision and ability to drive growth led to his appointment as CEO of Postbank in 2012.
During his tenure at Postbank, Strauss successfully navigated the bank through challenging market conditions, strengthening its position in the German banking sector. His contributions were instrumental in Postbank’s integration into Deutsche Bank, ensuring a smooth transition and alignment of business operations.
From 2017 to 2019, Strauss was a member of the Deutsche Bank Management Board, overseeing private and corporate banking. Initially, he shared these responsibilities with Christian Sewing, and after Sewing’s appointment as CEO in April 2018, Strauss continued to lead the division on his own. His tenure was marked by a focus on customer-centric strategies, digital transformation, and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Beyond his professional achievements, Strauss was known for his personal integrity, humility, and dedication to his colleagues and clients. He was a mentor to many and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous banking professionals.
Deutsche Bank has expressed its profound loss and commitment to honoring Strauss’s legacy. The bank will continue to uphold the values and principles that Strauss championed throughout his career. His impact on the organization and the broader banking community will be remembered and cherished.
As the banking community comes to terms with this loss, Deutsche Bank’s thoughts are with Frank Strauss’s family—his wife, children, and loved ones. The bank has expressed its deepest condolences and support to them during this difficult time.
Frank Strauss’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the innovations he brought to the banking sector, and the enduring influence of his leadership.
