I regret that this happened and it should never have taken place," Mr Thiam said in the statement. 'SAFE PAIR OF HANDS' Mr Gottstein, a prominent investment banker and wealth manager before taking over Credit Suisse's domestic operation, had been flagged by analysts as a potential successor to Mr Thiam. "Based on his deep and comprehensive experience in our business and in view of his impressive performance as head of our Swiss bank and his respect amongst our clients and employees, Thomas Gottstein is excellently positioned to lead Credit Suisse into the future," Mr Rohner said in a statement.