Christophe Callens: Balancing human and financial capital

From Audit to Human Resources

Christophe Callens, who serves as Head of Human Resources, Luxembourg & Nordics, has over 14 years of experience at Quintet. Although he is now fully focused on HR, his career began on a different path. After completing his studies in Belgium – earning a degree in Marketing followed by a Business Management qualification with a focus on HR – he started his professional journey as an internal auditor at State Street Bank. At that time, Quintet was seeking professionals with a business background to strengthen its HR team as “HR Business Partner.”

“This HR vision aligned perfectly with my own. I have always believed that effective human resources management hinges on a balanced approach to both human and financial capital – two complementary and inseparable pillars of organizational success.”

Active listening & mutual respect

Christophe's career has evolved organically alongside the bank’s evolution. Over 14 years, he has held various local roles – including HR Business Partner and Head of HR Teams, as well as in areas such as Learning & Development, HR Operations and the Quintet Graduate Program – before taking on group-level responsibilities in 2021 as Head of the Group HR COO Office. In 2022, he returned to a more local focus as Head of HR, Luxembourg & Nordics. In 2024, he expanded his scope by taking on the role of Head of Group Employee Lifecycle Management, overseeing functional HR Business Partners and Group Learning & Development.
Christophe's career path illustrates the importance of patience, resilience and staying true to one's ambitions. He attributes his growth to active listening, mutual respect, curiosity and initiative. For him, success doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities; it requires proactively understanding organizational needs, engaging in dialogue, offering ideas and building achievements step by step.

 

A spirit of intrapreneurship

“At Quintet, the spirit of intrapreneurship – applying an entrepreneurial mindset and skills within the organization – and collective success are central to our culture. We are fortunate to be a bank on a human scale: neither a startup nor a multinational. This structure and mindset empower everyone to contribute and make a lasting impact. For those seeking a dynamic, evolving career rich in learning opportunities, it’s a genuine advantage.”

 

Supportive leadership

“At Quintet, I have had the opportunity to contribute to numerous HR projects aligned with the bank's strategic priorities. Senior leadership has consistently been supportive – offering opportunities while also challenging me to grow. This dynamic has enabled me to play both a contributing and leading role in projects I am proud of today. “My message to colleagues and candidates is simple: Everyone has the potential to contribute to Quintet's success. The key is to recognize your value, shape it, communicate it clearly and put it into action. In short: Take ownership of your own career.”

 

The Line Manager program: Team dynamics & leadership

In 2023, Christophe spearheaded the launch of the “Team Dynamics & Leadership” program for Line Managers. Originally piloted in Luxembourg, it has now been rolled out across the group, continuously evolving with each edition. Its core aim is to forge a culture of excellence and shared sense of belonging to the firm. “Today, the role of the line manager is more central than ever in achieving collective success,” says Christophe. “As an organization, we have a responsibility to empower and support them in their day-to-day responsibilities.”

 

Authenticity: The key to professional fulfillment

Christophe encourages every employee to remain true to themselves, while honoring the professional environment and Quintet’s values. Authenticity cultivates trust, fuels motivation and strengthens collaboration. Freeing oneself from limiting beliefs is essential to unlocking growth, achieving excellence and developing – both professionally and personally.

Why join Quintet?

  • Make a meaningful impact and actively contribute to shared success

  • Take charge of your career and become an intrapreneur

  • Be part of a true laboratory of ideas, where innovation is encouraged

  • Build genuine connections not only with immediate colleagues but also peers across Europe and the UK

Final words

  • Empower your voice. Stay true to yourself. Embrace the challenge. Shape your future.

A little more about Christophe

  • Belgian, originally from Couvin

  • Rooted in two core passions: family and sport

  • Married and a proud father of two daughters

  • Lifelong football enthusiast and runner (trail and road), cyclist (mountain and road) and tennis player

  • Actively engaged in sporting events that champion social causes

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