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| image        = Slawomir Krupa, Chairman of the French Banking Federation - 2025 (cropped).jpg
| image        = Slawomir Krupa, Chairman of the French Banking Federation - 2025 (cropped).jpg
| caption      = Slawomir Krupa in 2025
| caption      = Slawomir Krupa in 2025
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1974|6|18}}
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1974|6|18}}
| birth_place  = [[Burgas]], [[Bulgaria]]
| birth_place  = [[Burgas]], Bulgaria
| nationality  = French
| nationality  = French
| occupation  = Banker, business executive
| occupation  = Banker, business executive
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| spouse      = Magdalena
| spouse      = Magdalena
| children    = 1
| children    = 1
| education    = [[Sciences Po]]
}}
}}


'''Slawomir Krupa''' (born June 18, 1974) is a French banker and business executive who has served as the chief executive officer of [[Société Générale]], one of France's largest banking groups, since May 2023. Born in [[Burgas]], Bulgaria, Krupa built his career almost entirely within Société Générale, rising through the ranks over more than two decades before being appointed to lead the institution. Since assuming the top role, he has embarked on an ambitious restructuring programme aimed at reducing costs, improving profitability, and repositioning the bank competitively within the European financial landscape. His tenure has been marked by significant cost-cutting measures, including large-scale job reductions in France, as well as operational changes such as stricter return-to-office policies. In January 2025, Krupa assumed the chairmanship of the [[European Banking Federation]], adding a pan-European leadership role to his responsibilities.<ref name="ebf">{{cite web |title=Interview with Slawomir Krupa, President of the European Banking Federation |url=https://bpfi.ie/interview-with-slawomir-krupa-president-of-the-european-banking-federation/ |publisher=Banking & Payments Federation Ireland |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Krupa has spoken publicly about the importance of resilience in banking, the need for European financial institutions to remain competitive globally, and the role of risk-taking in innovation.
'''Slawomir Krupa''' (born June 18, 1974) is a French banker and business executive who has served as the chief executive officer of [[Société Générale]], one of France's largest banking groups, since May 23, 2023. Born in [[Burgas]], Bulgaria, Krupa built his career over more than two decades within the Société Générale group, rising through a succession of senior roles in corporate and investment banking before being appointed to lead the institution. Since assuming the top position, he has undertaken a broad restructuring program focused on cost reduction, operational efficiency, and a return-to-office mandate that has drawn both investor approval and internal resistance. In 2025, he was additionally named chairperson of the [[European Banking Federation]], a role through which he has advocated for the competitiveness and resilience of European banks on the global stage.<ref name="ebf">{{cite web |title=Interview with Slawomir Krupa, President of the European Banking Federation |url=https://bpfi.ie/interview-with-slawomir-krupa-president-of-the-european-banking-federation/ |publisher=Banking & Payments Federation Ireland |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Krupa's tenure at Société Générale has been marked by significant strategic shifts, including large-scale job cuts and efforts to improve profitability, positioning him as one of the most consequential leaders in contemporary European banking.


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Slawomir Krupa was born on June 18, 1974, in [[Burgas]], a city on the [[Black Sea]] coast of [[Bulgaria]]. Details regarding his family background and upbringing remain limited in public sources. Krupa eventually settled in France, where he pursued his higher education and began his professional career in banking. He holds French nationality.<ref name="sciencespo">{{cite web |title=Slawomir Krupa: "There is no true success without staying true to yourself" |url=https://www.sciencespo.fr/american-foundation/news/slawomir-krupa-there-no-true-success-without-staying-true-yourself/ |publisher=Sciences Po American Foundation |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Slawomir Krupa was born on June 18, 1974, in [[Burgas]], a city on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. He holds French nationality and has spent the majority of his professional life in France. In an interview published by the Sciences Po American Foundation, Krupa reflected on his background and personal philosophy, stating, "There is no true success without staying true to yourself," a principle he has cited as guiding his approach to both leadership and career development.<ref name="sciencespo">{{cite web |title=Slawomir Krupa: "There is no true success without staying true to yourself" |url=https://www.sciencespo.fr/american-foundation/news/slawomir-krupa-there-no-true-success-without-staying-true-yourself/ |publisher=Sciences Po American Foundation |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


In an interview with the Sciences Po American Foundation, Krupa reflected on his personal journey and the values that shaped his career, stating that "there is no true success without staying true to yourself."<ref name="sciencespo" /> This remark has been interpreted as a reference to his experience navigating different cultures and institutions during his formative years and early career.
Details regarding Krupa's childhood, family background in Bulgaria, and the circumstances of his relocation to France have not been extensively documented in public sources. What is known is that he pursued higher education in France, where he would go on to build his entire banking career within the Société Générale group.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Krupa was educated at [[Sciences Po]] (the Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris), one of France's most selective institutions for the social sciences and public affairs.<ref name="sciencespo" /> Sciences Po is known for producing many of France's business leaders, diplomats, and senior government officials. The institution has featured Krupa among its notable alumni and has highlighted his career trajectory as an example of the professional paths available to its graduates.<ref name="sciencespo" />
Krupa was educated in France, where he attended [[Sciences Po]] (the Paris Institute of Political Studies), one of the country's most prestigious institutions for the study of political science, economics, and public affairs.<ref name="sciencespo" /> His connection to Sciences Po has remained active throughout his career; the institution has featured him in alumni profiles and interviews, highlighting his trajectory from student to CEO of one of Europe's major banks.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Career at Société Générale ===
=== Early Career at Société Générale ===


Krupa spent the vast majority of his professional career at [[Société Générale]], joining the bank and advancing through a series of increasingly senior positions over more than two decades. He gained extensive experience in the bank's corporate and investment banking operations, which became his primary area of expertise. Over time, he held leadership positions across multiple geographies, giving him broad exposure to international banking markets.<ref name="sgceo">{{cite web |title=Financing tomorrow: Banking across generations ft. Slawomir Krupa, CEO of Société Générale |url=https://wholesale.banking.societegenerale.com/en/news-insights/all-news-insights/news-details/news/financing-tomorrow-banking-across-generations-ft-slawomir-krupa-ceo-of-societe-generale/ |publisher=Société Générale Wholesale Banking |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Krupa's career has been almost entirely associated with the [[Société Générale]] group, where he spent more than two decades in a variety of senior positions before ascending to the role of chief executive officer. He gained extensive experience in corporate and investment banking, working across multiple geographies and business lines within the bank. His roles included leadership positions within the global banking and investor solutions division, where he oversaw significant parts of the bank's wholesale and institutional client operations.<ref name="sgwholesale">{{cite web |title=Financing Tomorrow: Banking Across Generations ft. Slawomir Krupa, CEO of Société Générale |url=https://wholesale.banking.societegenerale.com/en/news-insights/all-news-insights/news-details/news/financing-tomorrow-banking-across-generations-ft-slawomir-krupa-ceo-of-societe-generale/ |publisher=Société Générale Wholesale Banking |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His career trajectory took him to the United States, where he spent a significant period working in New York, managing parts of Société Générale's American operations. This international experience, particularly in one of the world's largest financial centres, contributed to his understanding of global capital markets and cross-border banking.<ref name="sciencespo" />
Throughout his rise within the organization, Krupa developed a reputation for his focus on risk management, operational discipline, and strategic transformation. In a speech to the Czech Banking Association, he articulated his philosophy on risk-taking in banking, asserting that "zero risk means death" and arguing that the resilience of banks should not be the sole regulatory target in Europe.<ref name="cba">{{cite web |title=Zero risk means death: Slawomir Krupa claims resilience — banks cannot be the only target of Europe |url=http://www.cbaonline.cz/articles/zero-risk-means-death-slawomir-krupa-claims-resilience-banks-cannot-be-the-only-target-of-europe |publisher=Czech Banking Association |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This view would later inform his approach to restructuring the bank as CEO, where he sought to balance cost discipline with a willingness to accept calculated risks in pursuit of growth.


Before his appointment as CEO, Krupa served as the head of Société Générale's Global Banking and Investor Solutions (GBIS) division, the bank's corporate and investment banking arm. This role placed him in charge of one of the institution's most significant revenue-generating units and positioned him as a leading candidate for the top executive role.<ref name="sgceo" />
=== Appointment as CEO ===


=== Appointment as CEO of Société Générale ===
On September 30, 2022, Société Générale's board of directors selected Slawomir Krupa to succeed [[Frédéric Oudéa]] as chief executive officer. The appointment was effective from May 23, 2023, following a transition period.<ref name="elmundo">{{cite news |date=2025-05-22 |title=Slawomir Krupa — Société Générale |url=https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2025/05/22/682f0d75fc6c83a64d8b4597.html |work=El Mundo |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Krupa's selection was seen as a choice for continuity in some respects, given his deep institutional knowledge of the bank, but also as a mandate for change, as Société Générale faced a period of underperformance relative to European banking peers and persistent pressure from investors to improve returns.


On September 30, 2022, Société Générale's board of directors announced that Slawomir Krupa had been chosen to succeed [[Frédéric Oudéa]] as chief executive officer of the group. The transition took effect on May 23, 2023, following formal approval at the bank's annual general meeting.<ref name="elmundo">{{cite news |date=2025-05-22 |title=Slawomir Krupa |url=https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2025/05/22/682f0d75fc6c83a64d8b4597.html |work=El Mundo |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Upon taking office, Krupa signaled that his leadership would be defined by a focus on strategic simplification, cost reduction, and improved capital allocation. He outlined plans to streamline the bank's operations, exit or scale back underperforming business lines, and invest in areas where Société Générale held competitive advantages.


Krupa inherited a bank that faced several structural challenges. Société Générale, one of France's three largest banks alongside [[BNP Paribas]] and [[Crédit Agricole]], had underperformed its peers in terms of share price and profitability in the years preceding his appointment. The bank's cost base was considered high relative to its revenues, and its investment banking division had experienced periods of volatility. Additionally, the institution had absorbed significant losses related to its withdrawal from the Russian market following [[Russia]]'s invasion of [[Ukraine]] in 2022.
=== Restructuring and Cost-Cutting Measures ===


=== Turnaround Strategy and Cost Reductions ===
Under Krupa's leadership, Société Générale embarked on a significant restructuring program. One of the most prominent elements of this program was a large-scale reduction in the bank's workforce. In January 2026, it was reported that Société Générale planned to eliminate 1,800 positions in France by the end of the following year, as part of Krupa's efforts to trim costs and improve the bank's efficiency ratio.<ref name="bloomberg-jobs">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-01-21 |title=SocGen to Cut 1,800 Jobs in France as CEO Krupa Trims Costs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-21/societe-generale-plans-1-800-jobs-cuts-in-france-to-trim-costs |work=Bloomberg.com |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The [[Financial Times]] reported that investors had begun to reward the turnaround effort, noting improvements in the bank's financial performance and stock price under Krupa's direction.<ref name="ft-jobs">{{cite news |date=2026-01 |title=SocGen to axe 1,800 jobs in France as chief steps up cost cuts |url=https://www.ft.com/content/493fc3f1-50bc-4724-939f-d9ec2889459f |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Upon taking office, Krupa launched a comprehensive turnaround strategy focused on cost discipline, operational efficiency, and a sharpened strategic focus. The plan involved significant restructuring across the bank's operations, with particular emphasis on reducing expenses in its French domestic operations and streamlining its investment banking activities.<ref name="ftbrink">{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=How SocGen dragged itself back from the brink |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2b9579c9-b972-4a36-9f01-51f49856271c |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
The cost-cutting program extended beyond workforce reductions. Krupa also implemented changes to the bank's workplace policies, including a mandate in June 2025 requiring employees to return to the office four days per week, reducing the previous policy that had allowed two days of remote work per week.<ref name="ft-brink">{{cite news |date=2026-02 |title=How SocGen dragged itself back from the brink |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2b9579c9-b972-4a36-9f01-51f49856271c |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The decision drew immediate pushback from employees, with reports indicating that the policy change contributed to a decline in internal morale.<ref name="bloomberg-morale">{{cite news |date=2026-02-10 |title=SocGen Employee Morale Slides as Krupa's Turnaround Takes Toll |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-10/socgen-employee-morale-slides-as-krupa-s-turnaround-takes-toll |work=Bloomberg.com |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The eFinancialCareers website reported that French bank employees complained they were "being worked like Americans for lower pay," reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the intensifying work demands under the restructuring.<ref name="efinancial">{{cite news |date=2025-06-20 |title=French bank employees complain they're being worked like Americans for lower pay |url=https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/socgen-return-to-office |work=eFinancialCareers |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


In January 2026, Société Générale announced plans to eliminate 1,800 positions in France by the end of 2027 as part of Krupa's ongoing cost-cutting programme.<ref name="bloombergjobs">{{cite news |date=2026-01-21 |title=SocGen to Cut 1,800 Jobs in France as CEO Krupa Trims Costs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-21/societe-generale-plans-1-800-jobs-cuts-in-france-to-trim-costs |work=Bloomberg News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The [[Financial Times]] reported that investors had begun to reward the turnaround effort, with the bank's share price showing improvement as the cost reductions took hold.<ref name="ftjobs">{{cite news |date=2026-01 |title=SocGen to axe 1,800 jobs in France as chief steps up cost cuts |url=https://www.ft.com/content/493fc3f1-50bc-4724-939f-d9ec2889459f |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Despite the internal tensions, the restructuring yielded measurable financial results. In October 2025, Bloomberg reported that Société Générale beat profit and capital expectations, with the headline noting that "Krupa's cost cuts bear fruit."<ref name="bloomberg-profit">{{cite news |date=2025-10-30 |title=SocGen Beats on Profit, Capital as Krupa's Cost Cuts Bear Fruit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-30/socgen-beats-on-profit-capital-as-krupa-s-cost-cuts-bear-fruit |work=Bloomberg.com |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The bank's capital strength improved, and investors began to view the turnaround effort more favorably, though the question of whether employee engagement could be sustained remained a point of concern among analysts and commentators.<ref name="bloomberg-morale" />


By October 2025, the financial results were beginning to reflect the impact of Krupa's strategy. Bloomberg reported that Société Générale beat profit and capital expectations, with the headline noting that "Krupa's cost cuts bear fruit."<ref name="bloombergprofit">{{cite news |date=2025-10-30 |title=SocGen Beats on Profit, Capital as Krupa's Cost Cuts Bear Fruit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-30/socgen-beats-on-profit-capital-as-krupa-s-cost-cuts-bear-fruit |work=Bloomberg News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The bank reported improvements in its capital strength, though it held off on announcing a share buyback despite the positive results.<ref name="bloombergprofit" />
=== Strategic Vision ===


=== Return-to-Office Policy and Employee Relations ===
Krupa has articulated a strategic vision for Société Générale that centers on simplification, disciplined capital allocation, and a focus on the bank's core strengths. In a feature published on Société Générale's wholesale banking platform, Krupa discussed the future of banking across generations, emphasizing the need for traditional banks to adapt to changing client expectations, technological disruption, and evolving regulatory frameworks.<ref name="sgwholesale" />


One of the more publicly discussed aspects of Krupa's leadership has been his approach to workplace policies, particularly regarding remote work. In June 2025, Krupa ordered Société Générale staff to return to the office four days per week, reducing the previous allowance of two days of remote work per week to just one.<ref name="ftbrink" /> The [[Financial Times]] reported that the decision prompted immediate pushback from employees.<ref name="ftbrink" />
A recurring theme in Krupa's public statements has been the importance of risk acceptance as a component of banking competitiveness. Speaking before the Czech Banking Association, he warned against an excessive focus on eliminating risk, arguing that a "zero risk" approach would stifle innovation and economic growth, and that European regulators should consider the broader competitiveness of the banking sector rather than focusing solely on resilience metrics.<ref name="cba" /> This perspective has placed Krupa among a cohort of European bank leaders who have called for a recalibration of post-financial-crisis regulatory frameworks in order to allow European banks to compete more effectively with American and Asian rivals.
 
The policy change was part of a broader effort by Krupa to foster a more intensive workplace culture, though it generated criticism internally. The financial news site eFinancialCareers reported that French bank employees complained they were "being worked like Americans for lower pay," highlighting the cultural tensions surrounding the shift.<ref name="efin">{{cite news |date=2025-06-20 |title=French bank employees complain they're being worked like Americans for lower pay |url=https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/socgen-return-to-office |work=eFinancialCareers |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
By February 2026, Bloomberg reported that employee morale at Société Générale had declined as the turnaround programme continued to take its toll on staff. While Krupa had succeeded in convincing investors of his restructuring plan, the report noted that "he still has some work to do to persuade his staff."<ref name="bloombergmorale">{{cite news |date=2026-02-10 |title=SocGen Employee Morale Slides as Krupa's Turnaround Takes Toll |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-10/socgen-employee-morale-slides-as-krupa-s-turnaround-takes-toll |work=Bloomberg News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The tension between investor approval and employee dissatisfaction has emerged as one of the defining dynamics of Krupa's tenure as CEO.
 
=== Views on Banking and Risk ===
 
Krupa has articulated a philosophy of banking that emphasises the necessity of risk-taking and the dangers of excessive caution. Speaking at an event organised by the Czech Banking Association, he stated that "zero risk means death," arguing that the resilience of banks should not be the only target of European regulators and policymakers.<ref name="cba">{{cite web |title=Zero risk means death, Slawomir Krupa claims. Resilience of banks cannot be the only target of Europe |url=http://www.cbaonline.cz/articles/zero-risk-means-death-slawomir-krupa-claims-resilience-banks-cannot-be-the-only-target-of-europe |publisher=Czech Banking Association |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has advocated for a regulatory environment that balances financial stability with the ability of banks to support economic growth and innovation across Europe.<ref name="cba" />
 
In a discussion hosted by Société Générale's wholesale banking division, Krupa reflected on the future of banking, discussing themes such as generational change in the industry, the evolving role of technology, and the need for European banks to compete effectively on a global stage.<ref name="sgceo" />


=== Chairmanship of the European Banking Federation ===
=== Chairmanship of the European Banking Federation ===


In 2025, Krupa became the chairman (president) of the [[European Banking Federation]] (EBF), the body representing the European banking sector at the continental level. The EBF represents some 3,500 banks across Europe, and the chairmanship is one of the most prominent leadership positions in European finance.<ref name="ebf" />
In 2025, Krupa was named chairperson of the [[European Banking Federation]] (EBF), the principal trade association representing the European banking sector. In this capacity, he has served as a spokesperson for the industry on matters of regulation, competitiveness, and the role of banks in financing the European economy.<ref name="ebf" />


In an interview with the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, Krupa discussed his priorities for the EBF, including the competitiveness of European banks, the regulatory landscape, and the role of the banking sector in financing the European economy's transition to a more sustainable model.<ref name="ebf" /> His assumption of this role placed him at the centre of policy discussions regarding the future direction of European banking regulation and the sector's response to challenges including digitalisation, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate-related financial risks.
In an interview with the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, Krupa discussed his priorities as EBF president, including the need for a more integrated European banking market, the importance of proportionate regulation, and the role of banks in supporting the green transition and digital transformation of the European economy.<ref name="ebf" /> He has also used the platform to advocate for European financial sovereignty and for policy frameworks that support the ability of European banks to scale and compete globally.
 
He has also been reported to serve as chairman of the French Banking Federation, a national-level role that complements his European responsibilities.<ref name="elmundo" />


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Slawomir Krupa is married to Magdalena, and the couple has one child. Krupa maintains a relatively private personal life, with limited information available in public sources about his family or activities outside of his professional roles.
Slawomir Krupa is married to Magdalena, and the couple has one child. Beyond these basic facts, Krupa has maintained a relatively private personal life and has not extensively discussed his family in public forums.
 
In his public remarks, Krupa has emphasised the importance of authenticity and personal values in professional life. In an interview with the Sciences Po American Foundation, he stated that "there is no true success without staying true to yourself," a philosophy he has described as central to his approach to leadership.<ref name="sciencespo" />


Krupa's background — born in Bulgaria, educated in France, and with significant professional experience in the United States — has given him a multicultural perspective that he has brought to his roles at Société Générale and the European Banking Federation.<ref name="sciencespo" /><ref name="ebf" />
In a profile published by the Sciences Po American Foundation, Krupa reflected on the relationship between personal authenticity and professional achievement, emphasizing that he views staying true to one's values as central to sustained success in business.<ref name="sciencespo" /> He has cited his multicultural background — born in Bulgaria, educated and based in France, with a career spanning multiple countries — as a formative influence on his worldview and leadership style.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Krupa's appointment as CEO of Société Générale in 2023 was itself a notable event within the European banking sector, as he became one of the few executives of Eastern European origin to lead a major Western European bank. His subsequent appointment as chairman of the European Banking Federation in 2025 further elevated his profile within the industry.<ref name="ebf" />
Krupa's appointment as CEO of Société Générale, one of the largest banks in Europe, placed him among the most prominent executives in the global financial industry. His subsequent appointment as chairperson of the European Banking Federation in 2025 further elevated his profile as a leader and advocate for the European banking sector.<ref name="ebf" />
 
The financial press has given significant coverage to his turnaround strategy at Société Générale. The Financial Times published a detailed profile in early 2026 under the headline "How SocGen dragged itself back from the brink," examining the impact of his leadership on the bank's financial trajectory.<ref name="ftbrink" /> Bloomberg's reporting on the bank's improved financial results in October 2025 credited Krupa's cost-cutting measures for the improvement in profit and capital metrics.<ref name="bloombergprofit" />
 
His public speeches and interviews, including his remarks on risk and regulation at the Czech Banking Association and his reflections on the future of banking through Société Générale's own platforms, have contributed to his visibility as a commentator on European financial policy.<ref name="cba" /><ref name="sgceo" />
 
== Legacy ==


As of early 2026, Krupa's tenure as CEO of Société Générale remains ongoing, making a definitive assessment of his legacy premature. However, the early trajectory of his leadership has established several themes that are likely to define how his period at the helm of the bank is evaluated.
The financial results achieved under his restructuring program have been noted by investors and financial media. Bloomberg reported in October 2025 that Société Générale exceeded profit and capital expectations, attributing the improvement in part to Krupa's cost-cutting measures.<ref name="bloomberg-profit" /> The Financial Times profiled the bank's trajectory under Krupa in a February 2026 article titled "How SocGen dragged itself back from the brink," which examined both the successes and the challenges of the turnaround effort.<ref name="ft-brink" />


His willingness to pursue aggressive cost reductions, including the elimination of 1,800 jobs in France, has marked a departure from the more cautious approach of his predecessors and has been credited by investors with improving the bank's financial outlook.<ref name="ftjobs" /><ref name="bloombergjobs" /> At the same time, the impact on employee morale and workplace culture has raised questions about the sustainability of the turnaround if staff engagement continues to decline.<ref name="bloombergmorale" />
Krupa's leadership has also attracted attention for the controversies it has generated. The return-to-office mandate and large-scale job reductions have been the subject of extensive coverage in the financial press, with reports of declining employee morale highlighting the human costs of the bank's restructuring.<ref name="bloomberg-morale" /><ref name="efinancial" /> As of early 2026, the long-term legacy of Krupa's leadership at Société Générale remained a subject of active debate among analysts, employees, and industry observers, with the outcome of the turnaround still unfolding.
 
Krupa's dual role as CEO of one of Europe's largest banks and chairman of the European Banking Federation has placed him in a position to influence both the strategic direction of Société Générale and the broader policy environment in which European banks operate. His advocacy for a regulatory framework that permits greater risk-taking and supports economic growth reflects a perspective shared by a number of European banking leaders who have argued that overly conservative regulation risks undermining the sector's competitiveness relative to American and Asian rivals.<ref name="cba" /><ref name="ebf" />
 
The outcome of his turnaround programme at Société Générale, and particularly whether it can achieve both improved financial performance and a motivated workforce, will be a central factor in determining his long-term impact on European banking.


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


[[Category:Business executives]]
[[Category:Finance]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Business executives]]
[[Category:Finance]]
[[Category:French bankers]]
[[Category:French bankers]]
[[Category:French chief executives]]
[[Category:Société Générale people]]
[[Category:Sciences Po alumni]]
[[Category:Sciences Po alumni]]
[[Category:Société Générale people]]
[[Category:People from Burgas]]
[[Category:People from Burgas]]
[[Category:Bulgarian emigrants to France]]
[[Category:Bulgarian emigrants to France]]
[[Category:French people of Bulgarian descent]]
[[Category:European Banking Federation]]
[[Category:European Banking Federation]]
[[Category:Chief executive officers]]
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Latest revision as of 05:35, 24 February 2026



Slawomir Krupa
Slawomir Krupa in 2025
Slawomir Krupa
Born18 6, 1974
BirthplaceBurgas, Bulgaria
NationalityFrench
OccupationBanker, business executive
Known forCEO of Société Générale (2023–present); Chairman of the European Banking Federation (2025–present)
Spouse(s)Magdalena
Children1

Slawomir Krupa (born June 18, 1974) is a French banker and business executive who has served as the chief executive officer of Société Générale, one of France's largest banking groups, since May 23, 2023. Born in Burgas, Bulgaria, Krupa built his career over more than two decades within the Société Générale group, rising through a succession of senior roles in corporate and investment banking before being appointed to lead the institution. Since assuming the top position, he has undertaken a broad restructuring program focused on cost reduction, operational efficiency, and a return-to-office mandate that has drawn both investor approval and internal resistance. In 2025, he was additionally named chairperson of the European Banking Federation, a role through which he has advocated for the competitiveness and resilience of European banks on the global stage.[1] Krupa's tenure at Société Générale has been marked by significant strategic shifts, including large-scale job cuts and efforts to improve profitability, positioning him as one of the most consequential leaders in contemporary European banking.

Early Life

Slawomir Krupa was born on June 18, 1974, in Burgas, a city on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. He holds French nationality and has spent the majority of his professional life in France. In an interview published by the Sciences Po American Foundation, Krupa reflected on his background and personal philosophy, stating, "There is no true success without staying true to yourself," a principle he has cited as guiding his approach to both leadership and career development.[2]

Details regarding Krupa's childhood, family background in Bulgaria, and the circumstances of his relocation to France have not been extensively documented in public sources. What is known is that he pursued higher education in France, where he would go on to build his entire banking career within the Société Générale group.

Education

Krupa was educated in France, where he attended Sciences Po (the Paris Institute of Political Studies), one of the country's most prestigious institutions for the study of political science, economics, and public affairs.[2] His connection to Sciences Po has remained active throughout his career; the institution has featured him in alumni profiles and interviews, highlighting his trajectory from student to CEO of one of Europe's major banks.

Career

Early Career at Société Générale

Krupa's career has been almost entirely associated with the Société Générale group, where he spent more than two decades in a variety of senior positions before ascending to the role of chief executive officer. He gained extensive experience in corporate and investment banking, working across multiple geographies and business lines within the bank. His roles included leadership positions within the global banking and investor solutions division, where he oversaw significant parts of the bank's wholesale and institutional client operations.[3]

Throughout his rise within the organization, Krupa developed a reputation for his focus on risk management, operational discipline, and strategic transformation. In a speech to the Czech Banking Association, he articulated his philosophy on risk-taking in banking, asserting that "zero risk means death" and arguing that the resilience of banks should not be the sole regulatory target in Europe.[4] This view would later inform his approach to restructuring the bank as CEO, where he sought to balance cost discipline with a willingness to accept calculated risks in pursuit of growth.

Appointment as CEO

On September 30, 2022, Société Générale's board of directors selected Slawomir Krupa to succeed Frédéric Oudéa as chief executive officer. The appointment was effective from May 23, 2023, following a transition period.[5] Krupa's selection was seen as a choice for continuity in some respects, given his deep institutional knowledge of the bank, but also as a mandate for change, as Société Générale faced a period of underperformance relative to European banking peers and persistent pressure from investors to improve returns.

Upon taking office, Krupa signaled that his leadership would be defined by a focus on strategic simplification, cost reduction, and improved capital allocation. He outlined plans to streamline the bank's operations, exit or scale back underperforming business lines, and invest in areas where Société Générale held competitive advantages.

Restructuring and Cost-Cutting Measures

Under Krupa's leadership, Société Générale embarked on a significant restructuring program. One of the most prominent elements of this program was a large-scale reduction in the bank's workforce. In January 2026, it was reported that Société Générale planned to eliminate 1,800 positions in France by the end of the following year, as part of Krupa's efforts to trim costs and improve the bank's efficiency ratio.[6] The Financial Times reported that investors had begun to reward the turnaround effort, noting improvements in the bank's financial performance and stock price under Krupa's direction.[7]

The cost-cutting program extended beyond workforce reductions. Krupa also implemented changes to the bank's workplace policies, including a mandate in June 2025 requiring employees to return to the office four days per week, reducing the previous policy that had allowed two days of remote work per week.[8] The decision drew immediate pushback from employees, with reports indicating that the policy change contributed to a decline in internal morale.[9] The eFinancialCareers website reported that French bank employees complained they were "being worked like Americans for lower pay," reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the intensifying work demands under the restructuring.[10]

Despite the internal tensions, the restructuring yielded measurable financial results. In October 2025, Bloomberg reported that Société Générale beat profit and capital expectations, with the headline noting that "Krupa's cost cuts bear fruit."[11] The bank's capital strength improved, and investors began to view the turnaround effort more favorably, though the question of whether employee engagement could be sustained remained a point of concern among analysts and commentators.[9]

Strategic Vision

Krupa has articulated a strategic vision for Société Générale that centers on simplification, disciplined capital allocation, and a focus on the bank's core strengths. In a feature published on Société Générale's wholesale banking platform, Krupa discussed the future of banking across generations, emphasizing the need for traditional banks to adapt to changing client expectations, technological disruption, and evolving regulatory frameworks.[3]

A recurring theme in Krupa's public statements has been the importance of risk acceptance as a component of banking competitiveness. Speaking before the Czech Banking Association, he warned against an excessive focus on eliminating risk, arguing that a "zero risk" approach would stifle innovation and economic growth, and that European regulators should consider the broader competitiveness of the banking sector rather than focusing solely on resilience metrics.[4] This perspective has placed Krupa among a cohort of European bank leaders who have called for a recalibration of post-financial-crisis regulatory frameworks in order to allow European banks to compete more effectively with American and Asian rivals.

Chairmanship of the European Banking Federation

In 2025, Krupa was named chairperson of the European Banking Federation (EBF), the principal trade association representing the European banking sector. In this capacity, he has served as a spokesperson for the industry on matters of regulation, competitiveness, and the role of banks in financing the European economy.[1]

In an interview with the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, Krupa discussed his priorities as EBF president, including the need for a more integrated European banking market, the importance of proportionate regulation, and the role of banks in supporting the green transition and digital transformation of the European economy.[1] He has also used the platform to advocate for European financial sovereignty and for policy frameworks that support the ability of European banks to scale and compete globally.

Personal Life

Slawomir Krupa is married to Magdalena, and the couple has one child. Beyond these basic facts, Krupa has maintained a relatively private personal life and has not extensively discussed his family in public forums.

In a profile published by the Sciences Po American Foundation, Krupa reflected on the relationship between personal authenticity and professional achievement, emphasizing that he views staying true to one's values as central to sustained success in business.[2] He has cited his multicultural background — born in Bulgaria, educated and based in France, with a career spanning multiple countries — as a formative influence on his worldview and leadership style.

Recognition

Krupa's appointment as CEO of Société Générale, one of the largest banks in Europe, placed him among the most prominent executives in the global financial industry. His subsequent appointment as chairperson of the European Banking Federation in 2025 further elevated his profile as a leader and advocate for the European banking sector.[1]

The financial results achieved under his restructuring program have been noted by investors and financial media. Bloomberg reported in October 2025 that Société Générale exceeded profit and capital expectations, attributing the improvement in part to Krupa's cost-cutting measures.[11] The Financial Times profiled the bank's trajectory under Krupa in a February 2026 article titled "How SocGen dragged itself back from the brink," which examined both the successes and the challenges of the turnaround effort.[8]

Krupa's leadership has also attracted attention for the controversies it has generated. The return-to-office mandate and large-scale job reductions have been the subject of extensive coverage in the financial press, with reports of declining employee morale highlighting the human costs of the bank's restructuring.[9][10] As of early 2026, the long-term legacy of Krupa's leadership at Société Générale remained a subject of active debate among analysts, employees, and industry observers, with the outcome of the turnaround still unfolding.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Interview with Slawomir Krupa, President of the European Banking Federation".Banking & Payments Federation Ireland.https://bpfi.ie/interview-with-slawomir-krupa-president-of-the-european-banking-federation/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Slawomir Krupa: "There is no true success without staying true to yourself"".Sciences Po American Foundation.https://www.sciencespo.fr/american-foundation/news/slawomir-krupa-there-no-true-success-without-staying-true-yourself/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Financing Tomorrow: Banking Across Generations ft. Slawomir Krupa, CEO of Société Générale".Société Générale Wholesale Banking.https://wholesale.banking.societegenerale.com/en/news-insights/all-news-insights/news-details/news/financing-tomorrow-banking-across-generations-ft-slawomir-krupa-ceo-of-societe-generale/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Zero risk means death: Slawomir Krupa claims resilience — banks cannot be the only target of Europe".Czech Banking Association.http://www.cbaonline.cz/articles/zero-risk-means-death-slawomir-krupa-claims-resilience-banks-cannot-be-the-only-target-of-europe.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Slawomir Krupa — Société Générale".El Mundo.2025-05-22.https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2025/05/22/682f0d75fc6c83a64d8b4597.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "SocGen to Cut 1,800 Jobs in France as CEO Krupa Trims Costs".Bloomberg.com.2026-01-21.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-21/societe-generale-plans-1-800-jobs-cuts-in-france-to-trim-costs.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "SocGen to axe 1,800 jobs in France as chief steps up cost cuts".Financial Times.2026-01.https://www.ft.com/content/493fc3f1-50bc-4724-939f-d9ec2889459f.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "How SocGen dragged itself back from the brink".Financial Times.2026-02.https://www.ft.com/content/2b9579c9-b972-4a36-9f01-51f49856271c.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "SocGen Employee Morale Slides as Krupa's Turnaround Takes Toll".Bloomberg.com.2026-02-10.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-10/socgen-employee-morale-slides-as-krupa-s-turnaround-takes-toll.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "French bank employees complain they're being worked like Americans for lower pay".eFinancialCareers.2025-06-20.https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/socgen-return-to-office.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "SocGen Beats on Profit, Capital as Krupa's Cost Cuts Bear Fruit".Bloomberg.com.2025-10-30.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-30/socgen-beats-on-profit-capital-as-krupa-s-cost-cuts-bear-fruit.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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