Moritz Stigler: New board member of VR Bank – focus on digitalization!

Moritz Stigler: New board member of VR Bank – focus on digitalization!

VR Bank Augsburg-Ostallgäu eG has expanded its management team to include an experienced manager. Moritz Stigler, 39 years old, will take on a board position from January 1, 2025. Stigler most recently worked as general representative of Münchner Bank eG and brings extensive experience in the areas of strategy, digitalization and sales.

Stigler will work together with Dr. Hermann Starnecker, Heinrich Stumpf and Christoph Huber run the bank. His qualifications include training as a banker and studying at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. He also earned an MBA degree from the Steinbeis University Berlin in collaboration with the ADG Business School Montabaur. Stigler can look back on over 15 years of experience in management positions, including at UniCredit Bank AG, where he was responsible for human resources, strategy, digitalization, innovation, sales management and marketing.

Focus on digitalization and customer relationships

Georg Köpf, Chairman of the Bank's Supervisory Board, highlighted Stigler's experience and innovative strength in a statement. Dr. Hermann Starnecker, spokesman for the board, emphasizes the need to strengthen the bank's regional presence and promote personal customer relationships. Stigler's appointment reflects VR Bank Augsburg-Ostallgäu eG's focus on digitalization and modern sales strategies in order to meet the needs of its customers.

One insight from Stigler's previous work shows that many customers use digital access channels for their financial transactions, regardless of their age. Stigler reported on a 78-year-old customer who was enthusiastic about the VR banking app and wanted to cancel her second account at another bank. According to a survey by the Bavarian Cooperative Association (GVB) among 1,000 bank customers, 28% prefer visiting branches for financial services, while 24% only use digital access channels.

As a result of digitalization, digital payment transactions have developed significantly. Almost 40% of customers have activated their account for online banking. GVB President Jürgen Gros emphasizes the need to network different access channels – online, mobile, telephone and branch. This contributes to the vision of an omnichannel bank that allows customers to choose their access route across all channels.

For example, VR-Bank Feuchtwangen-Dinkelsbühl already offers video chat advice, and VR Bank Kaufbeuren-Ostallgäu has introduced video terminals in its branches to improve customer service. Despite the growing importance of digital solutions, the presence in branches remains important, especially for qualified advice. Many Bavarian credit unions are therefore investing in modernizing their branches and relocating them near shopping centers.

– Submitted by West-East media