From a young finance enthusiast navigating the 2008 financial crisis to leading Fidelity Luxembourg’s sales strategy across Benelux, Sanela Kevric’s journey reflects the resilience and adaptability that define her.
For nearly three years, she has been the Head of Sales for Benelux at Fidelity Luxembourg, dividing her time between Luxembourg’s financial hub, Brussels, and Amsterdam, where her various teams are based. A lifelong enthusiast of economics and financial markets, Sanela Kevric was born to Croatian parents in Vosges, France. Her passion for finance led her to top institutions in Strasbourg, Dijon, and Germany before launching a career that would tie her closely to Luxembourg’s financial ecosystem.
Hired by Fidelity nine years ago as Sales Director for Luxembourg, her career began at Dexia Asset Management in 2007 as an asset manager. By late 2012, she was a portfolio manager at BIL, then joined asset manager Petercam two years later as Country Head for Luxembourg, tasked with developing institutional business in Luxembourg. Now settled in a small village near the capital, Kevric admits that for her to accept a job abroad—something many young managers dream of—the offer would need to be truly compelling. ‘The proposal would have to be very attractive intellectually, professionally, and in terms of quality of life,’ she explains.
What was your first professional encounter with Luxembourg’s financial sector?
Sanela Kevric
‘When I was studying at ESC Dijon, I attended business-school career fairs where many alumni working in Luxembourg’s finance sector came to present their companies and offer opportunities. The best internship offers came from Luxembourg, which led me to join BIL—then known as Dexia-BIL—for six months in an internal audit team,’ she recalls. ‘The experience was deeply enriching. The team was international and inspiring, given their expertise, and it made me want to stay.’
What convinced you to ultimately take the plunge and work in Luxembourg?
Sanela Kevric
‘When I was looking for my first job, I had options in London, Zurich, and Luxembourg. I chose Luxembourg because of the positive rapport I felt with recruiters during interviews. The financial sector here is incredibly international, and employers are pragmatic and down-to-earth, which was exactly what I was looking for,’ she explains.
She returned to Dexia, at Dexia Asset Management (now Candriam), where she was quickly given increasing responsibilities. ‘For a young finance enthusiast like me, it was truly fantastic to have such opportunities early in my career,’ Kevric adds.
I chose Luxembourg because of the positive rapport I felt with recruiters during interviews.
Since you started in Luxembourg’s financial sector in 2007, what major changes have you noticed?
Sanela Kevric
‘I arrived just before the 2008 financial crisis and witnessed incredible events as a recent graduate: the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the downfall of giants like Fortis and Dexia, and governments rescuing banks. It was a turbulent time, and Luxembourg’s financial landscape evolved significantly,’ she reflects.
The end of banking secrecy was another turning point. ‘This shifted the structure of Luxembourg’s finance sector, pushing banks towards more professional and sophisticated management practices,’ she explains. ‘Many feared losing a competitive edge, but the sector showed agility, sought highly qualified talent, and invested in innovative sectors.’
How do you view career progression in Luxembourg’s financial sector?
Sanela Kevric
‘Luxembourg is a career accelerator. Decisions here are made based on professional capabilities—skills, motivation, and a desire to contribute to the collective project. Employers don’t ask irrelevant questions about degrees or family backgrounds; they focus on the value you bring to the organisation,’ Kevric explains.
In her case, her first two roles offered opportunities that would have taken much longer to achieve in France. ‘Pragmatism is key here, and that drives a strong national economy,’ she adds.
Luxembourg is a career accelerator. Decisions here are made based on professional capabilities—skills, motivation, and a desire to contribute to the collective project.
At Fidelity Luxembourg, what do you particularly look for when recruiting talent internationally?
Sanela Kevric
‘Above all, competence. We seek individuals who bring something new to the table, whether that’s innovative ideas or unique perspectives. While technical skills are important, we value fresh thinking,’ she says.
Language skills are another crucial factor. ‘In an English-speaking company like ours, fluency in English and additional languages is essential to serve clients in the various markets we operate in,’ she explains.
What advice would you give to young talent arriving in Luxembourg who may be unfamiliar with the country?
Sanela Kevric
‘Don’t overthink it—just dive in. Luxembourg offers unmatched career and personal opportunities,’ Kevric advises. ‘Initially, many come for professional reasons, but over time, they discover a country rich in diversity and quality of life.’
What was the most surprising aspect of life and work in Luxembourg that you hadn’t anticipated before moving here?
Sanela Kevric
‘The international atmosphere. You meet people from diverse backgrounds, and multilingualism is part of daily life. It’s common to speak three or four languages fluently,’ she notes. ‘Luxembourg’s structure and organisation are also impressive—things just work here, and processes are efficient. Many expats don’t even consider returning home!’
Each stage of my career has contributed to where I am today, allowing me to do what I’m passionate about—both professionally and personally.
What has been the most rewarding project or role you’ve undertaken in Luxembourg so far?
Sanela Kevric
‘It’s hard to single out one project or role,’ Kevric admits. ‘What’s most rewarding is looking back and knowing I seized opportunities and gave my best. Each stage of my career has contributed to where I am today, allowing me to do what I’m passionate about—both professionally and personally.’