Schmittmann began his career as research assistant at the
University of St. Gallen. In 1986, he joined the
Bayerische Vereinsbank, most recently as member of the divisional board and
chief credit risk officer. From 2004 to 2005, Schmittmann was spokesman of the
board of managing directors of the Vereins- und Westbank, a subsidiary of the Hypo- und Vereinsbank. After some years in leading management and board positions at the Hypo- und Vereinsbank, Schmittmann finally joined Commerzbank in 2008. He became chief risk officer and member of the board of managing directors. Schmittmann was particularly responsible for
Eurohypo, a real estate company that has been acquired by Commerzbank. Schmittmann left the board of managing directors of Commerzbank by the end of 2015. In May 2018, he was elected to the supervisory board of Commerzbank, where he replaced
Klaus-Peter Müller as chairman. ==Other activities==