Observed Signal · Sep 25, 2026 · Interview · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
BKB Head of Marketing on Regionality and Sponsorship
In an interview with persönlich, Kouril, Head of Marketing at Basler Kantonalbank (BKB), discusses the role of regionality in modern banking, the strategic importance of sponsorship, and how the brand is evolving. He emphasizes that regionality alone is insufficient and must be combined with openness and future competence. BKB's sponsorship strategy focuses on regionality, sustainability, and social value, with success measured across brand perception, customer relations, and employee identification. The brand aims to reposition itself in private banking over the next 3-5 years, moving away from the 'dusty savings bank' image. Kouril also touches on digital branding, the growing importance of social media and employees as brand ambassadors, and the ongoing evaluation of sponsorship engagements.
The article is a general branding interview with a regional bank, focusing on sponsorship strategy and brand repositioning. It lacks concrete AdTech or MarTech substance, new technology launches, or industry-wide implications. The relevance to the advertising technology ecosystem is indirect and low-impact.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- BKB's sponsorship strategy is built on three core areas: regionality, sustainability, and social value.
- BKB aims to reposition itself in private banking over the next 3-5 years.
- BKB sponsors events like 'Em Bebbi sy Jazz' and the Basler Stadtlauf.
- BKB measures sponsorship success across brand perception, image transfer, and positioning.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Wenn Mitarbeitende von der UBS oder Privatbanken zu uns wechseln, sind sie oft erstaunt, welche Kompetenz in diesem Feld vorhanden ist....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Ruf Lanz Launches Private Banking Campaign for BKB
Basler Kantonalbank (BKB) has launched a new advertising campaign for its holistic Private Banking service. The creative agency Ruf Lanz developed and produced the campaign, which emphasizes human senses and the personal role of advisors. BKB recently received the awards “Ausgezeichnet” and “Langjährige Qualitätsleaderin” from the business magazine Bilanz. BKB marketing leaders Mathias von Wartburg and Raffael Kouril are credited and appear in the campaign. The campaign began on 4 May 2026 and runs in the Basel region and in Sunday print, using billboards/megaposters, ePanels/DOOH, digital screens on BKB ATMs and online banners. Production and media-planning partners include TWmedia and Biggie Switzerland.
When Sponsorship Becomes Political
Swiss parliamentary debate has emerged over whether health insurers should limit or rethink sponsorship activities after intensified sponsorship by Visana around FC Thun sparked public criticism. Critics link rising health insurance premiums to large sports sponsorships, while supporters cite business freedom, regional ties and brand building. The article uses Visana’s engagement with FC Thun as a case study: Visana acquired the Stockhorn Arena, waived rent for the club, and pledged CHF 300,000 annually to youth and women’s development through 2036. The piece argues that modern sponsorship is judged not only by reach but by perceived legitimacy and fit with a company’s mission; communications teams must explain the societal rationale. The debate highlights broader reputational risks and the growing role of politicians, stakeholders and social media in evaluating corporate sponsorships.
Banks Shift to Experience-Driven Marketing
A commentary by Catrin Bialek published July 8, 2026 on HORIZONT argues that financial brands are moving away from product-led emotional messaging and instead build emotional bonds through special experiences. The piece cites a new cooperation between Commerzbank and ticket seller Eventim as an example of banks using privileged event access and moments to differentiate in commoditized retail banking. The article frames this strategic shift as a deliberate marketing move toward experiential partnerships.
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