National Bank Announces Changes to its Executive Team

National Bank today announced changes to its Office of the President. These changes are part of a rigorous succession planning process and will come into effect on June 4.

Personal-Commercial Banking and Marketing Sector

Following a career spanning over 35 years in banking, Diane Giard – Executive Vice-President, Personal-Commercial Banking and Marketing, has announced her intention to retire. Ms. Giard joined the Bank in 2011 as Executive Vice-President – Marketing and, less than one year later, assumed leadership of Personal-Commercial Banking before finally taking on both roles in 2017. A warm, energetic and committed leader, Ms. Giard has been able to mobilize a large Bank sector toward the common goal of helping our clients power their ideas while, at the same time, creating significant value for shareholders.

As part of these changes and to ensure the sector's ongoing transformation, Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank, has announced the appointment of two current experienced Bank leaders. They will be joining the Office of the President and will report directly to him:

• Lucie Blanchet, currently serving as Senior Vice-President – Distribution, Solutions and Processes and reporting to Diane Giard, will become Executive Vice-President – Personal Banking and Marketing. Ms. Blanchet is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has over 22 years of banking experience. She joined the Bank in 2002 as part of the risk management team and has held various leadership positions in Personal & Commercial Banking, some of which have involved high-impact transformation initiatives that require exceptional organization skills.

• Stéphane Achard, currently serving as Senior Vice-President – Commercial Banking, Canada and International and also reporting to Diane Giard, will become Executive Vice-President – Commercial Banking and Insurance. Having joined the Bank in 2017, Mr. Achard has extensive experience in the financial services industry and is well known in the business community. His understanding of client needs and expectations will be an asset in growing the business line.

Human Resources and Corporate Affairs

Following a career spanning over 35 years in banking, Lynn Jeanniot – Executive Vice-President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, has also announced her intention to retire. Ms. Jeanniot joined National Bank in 2002 as Vice-President – Marketing and Public Affairs. In her current role since 2008, she has been recognized for her strong leadership and ability to rally teams around a common goal. She has also played a key role in the success of the One client, one bank transformation. Her innovative and discerning approach has helped to well position the organization to face the challenge of continuously adapting to changes ongoing within the banking industry.

Responsibility for this sector will go to Brigitte Hébert – Executive Vice-President, Operations, member of the Office of the President since 2015. Ms. Hébert joined National Bank in 1994 and is recognized for her engaging leadership during a transformation. She will become Executive Vice-President – Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Operations.

"I extend my sincere thanks to Diane and Lynn for their contribution to the Bank's success over the years. These exceptional leaders have laid the groundwork for the Bank to exceed its objectives. I'd also like to congratulate my colleagues who are succeeding them. Over the coming months, Diane and Lynn will ensure the smooth transition of their responsibilities. We can be optimistic about the next phases of our transformation, thanks to the support of a talented executive team that's prepared to enthusiastically take up the challenges of today’s banking world," stated Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain forward-looking statements. These statements are inherently subject to significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond the control of the Bank. Except as required by law, the Bank does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, by it or on its behalf. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is presented for the purpose of interpreting the information contained herein and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

About National Bank of Canada
With $251 billion in assets as at January 31, 2018, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups.  It has more than 21,000 employees in knowledge-intensive positions and has been recognized numerous times as a top employer and for its commitment to diversity.  Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA).  Follow the Bank’s activities at nbc.ca or via social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.