Wealth with Aim: Giving Back through Strategic Philanthropy

Andrea Beltratti is Full Professor in the Department of Finance at Bocconi University, Academic Director of the Executive Master in Finance – EMF at SDA Bocconi School of Management and Chairman of the EFG Gamma Foundation. He has been Chairman of Eurizon Capital until 2024 and of the Management Board of Intesa Sanpaolo until May 2013. 

Andrea has a Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University, where he wrote a dissertation on financial market volatility under the supervision of Prof. Robert Shiller. He has been member of the Board of Directors of EFAMA (European Fund and Asset Management Association), President of the FEDUF (Fondazione per Educazione Finanziaria), and part of Investment Committees of institutional investors.

Eric Berseth is the Founder and CEO of Philanthropy Advisors, a Geneva and Paris-based advisory firm that helps philanthropists, family offices, businesses, foundations, and international institutions turn purpose into performance and ambition into impact.

A recognized thought leader in organizational development, systems change, and strategic philanthropy, Eric works with those who manage or deploy capital to design the next generation of impact platforms that are credible, well-governed, and deeply connected to the world’s most pressing needs. His firm acts as a trusted partner to clients seeking to combine financial acumen with purpose-driven influence, bridging strategic giving, corporate citizenship, and sustainable investment.

Over the past two decades, Eric has advised some of the world’s leading actors in global development, global health, corporate philanthropy, and social impact, including Sanofi, UBS, Kering, L’Oréal, Fondation Chanel, Givaudan, and Airbus, as well as UNICEF, UNHCR, and WHO. He has played a defining role in shaping and launching major institutions such as the WHO Foundation and the Private Sector Humanitarian Alliance, and is known for bringing together public, private, and philanthropic partners around shared goals for equity and resilience.

Eric began his career with Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross, gaining extensive field experience in crisis contexts across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, he combines that practical grounding with board-level strategic insight, advising clients across continents on how to lead with clarity, integrity, and measurable impact.

A dual Swiss-Swedish national, Eric holds advanced degrees in International Relations and Political Science, International Law, Public Health, and Humanitarian Action from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, and the Center for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action (CERAH).

Maria Leistner serves on the boards of EFG International, EFG Luxembourg, and Crypto Finance (part of Deutsche Börse Group). With more than 30 years of international experience across investment banking, private banking, asset management, and private equity, she brings a deep understanding of global finance and governance.

Alongside her corporate roles, Maria is Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of Switzerland for UNHCR, the national partner of the UN Refugee Agency, and a board member of ENGin, a U.S.-based non-profit with over 60,000 participants connecting Ukrainians with English-speaking volunteers worldwide to build language skills and global connections.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Maria has devoted significant efforts to supporting displaced and vulnerable communities. Her work across both the financial and humanitarian sectors reflects a broader vision: to link philanthropy and sustainable finance, creating lasting impact through innovative and well-governed models.

Franco Polloni is the Head of EFG’s Switzerland & Italy Region. He is also a member of EFG International’s Global Business Committee and a member of the Executive Committee of EFG Bank. Mr. Polloni joined EFG in May 2017 as Head of Central Switzerland, Ticino & Italy Region.

Before joining EFG, Mr. Polloni was Head of Private Clients & Asset Management and Member of the Executive Board of Banca del Ceresio in Lugano, a role he took in December 2014. Between 2008 and 2014, he held various leadership positions at BSI and was Head of Private Banking Switzerland and member of the Group Executive Board from 2008 to 2010. From 2001 to 2008, he worked at Banca del Gottardo, where he was appointed as Member of the Executive Board in 2006 and served as Head Products & Services until the bank’s integration into BSI in 2008. From 1997 to 2001 he has worked for Coopers & Lybrand (later PricewaterhouseCoopers) as manager in tax department advising international corporations and individuals. He began his career in 1993 with Ernst & Young in Zurich.

He holds a degree in business and economics from the University of Zurich and a diploma as a Swiss federal tax expert, a Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Franco Polloni is a Swiss citizen and was born in 1965.

With nearly twenty years of international experience, Umberto Callegari has led strategic transformations, M&A operations, corporate turnarounds, and growth programs across Europe, the United States, and Asia. He had senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Accenture, Deloitte, and Octo, consistently driving high-impact initiatives across multiple industries and markets.

He is the Founding Partner of Askéon Capital, a management fund platform focused on Italian SMEs. Askéon Capital acquires strategic minority stakes while assuming leadership positions to reinforce governance, ensure continuity, and safeguard business heritage.

Umberto also serves as Chairman of Excursus Group, the first Italian Corporate & Strategic Intelligence company operating at international standards. Excursus integrates HUMINT, advanced technologies, and AI to help businesses and institutions strengthen protection, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. In addition, he co-founded Wallife, the world’s first insurance company addressing digital risks.

Recognized for combining strategic vision, disciplined execution, and ethical leadership, Umberto brings a unique ability to create long-term value for both investors and companies.

Andrea Beltratti is Full Professor in the Department of Finance at Bocconi University, Academic Director of the Executive Master in Finance – EMF at SDA Bocconi School of Management and Chairman of the EFG Gamma Foundation. He has been Chairman of Eurizon Capital until 2024 and of the Management Board of Intesa Sanpaolo until May 2013. 

Andrea has a Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University, where he wrote a dissertation on financial market volatility under the supervision of Prof. Robert Shiller. He has been member of the Board of Directors of EFAMA (European Fund and Asset Management Association), President of the FEDUF (Fondazione per Educazione Finanziaria), and part of Investment Committees of institutional investors.