October 20, 2006 The Board of Directors of Emporiki Bank of Greece S.A (Emporiki Bank) announced today the appointment with immediate effect of Mr. Anthony Crontiras chief executive officer. Mr. Crontiras is a widely recognized and respected manager and has a successful career spanning Greek and international companies. He has got specific experience of change management and company restructurings and is an acknowledged marketing and sales professional with a focused and innovative approach to customer service.
Anthony Crontiras started his career in 1985 in France where he worked as Project Manager for Booz, Allen & Hamilton. Most recently he was president of Danone Hellas S.A. Prior to that he was vice president and general manager of DELTA Dairy S.A. in Greece. Anthony Crontiras spent a number of years with Barilla International where, starting in 1989, he was initially business development manager, returning to Greece in 1991 as vice president and general manager of MISKO S.A, when it was acquired by Barilla International.
Christian Jacques, at present acting chief executive of Emporiki Bank and who has been working with the bank in Greece since 2001 will become deputy CEO reporting directly to Anthony Crontiras.
Anthony Crontiras will report to the acting chairman of Emporiki Bank, Jean-Frederic de Leusse, director of international development at Crédit Agricole S.A.
Mr. Jean Frederic de Leusse, acting chairman of Emporiki Bank and director of international development of Crédit Agricole S.A. stated: "the decision to appoint Anthony Crontiras as chief executive of Emporiki Bank of Greece, clearly signals a strategic change of direction for Emporiki Bank towards a more customer focused approach, aimed at developing closer relationships with clients and increasing customer satisfaction, launching targeted marketing activities and offering innovative new products to all different customer segments. Mr Crontiras' very strong management background and restructuring experience as well as his in-depth knowledge of retail marketing, the application of the Crédit Agricole Group's marketing and product development know-how as well as risk control, will allow us to successfully transform Emporiki Bank into a leading financial organisation that will become the new model of Greek banking standards.
Anthony Crontiras, newly appointed chief executive officer of Emporiki Bank said: "I very much look forward to the challenge of turning Emporiki Bank into a truly first-rate customer focused operation. I will begin by reviewing the existing operations and will be presenting a business plan in first quarter of 2007, building on the inherent strengths of the bank and its Greek heritage whilst incorporating the Credit Agricole Group's know-how and best practices. I will be presenting my new management team at the same time."
