Banco de Sabadell S A : César González-Bueno appointed as Banco Sabadell’s new CEO

• The new chief executive officer will lead the bank's new Strategic Plan and drive Digital Transformation
• César González-Bueno and Jaime Guardiola will work hand-in-hand during the transitionary period while the regulatory authorities ratify the appointment

Banco Sabadell has appointed César González-Bueno as CEO to replace Jaime Guardiola, who will remain in his post until the bank obtains the regulatory approvals required for the appointment.

César González-Bueno has more than 23 years' experience in senior banking positions. He founded ING Direct Spain and was the CEO of ING in Spain and Portugal. He was also a member of ING's Global Board of Directors while he led the bank's European operations. González-Bueno also oversaw the creation and sale of EVO, as well as the reflotation of Novagalicia Banco before its eventual sale to Abanca. He has been involved with Banco Sabadell since March 2020 as director of TSB, which provides him with both a global outlook on the institution as well as in-depth knowledge of its operations.

The new CEO will lead the Banco Sabadell of the future. From the outset, he will take part in the design and implementation of a new Strategic Plan for the bank, the main elements and objectives of which will be disclosed in the first quarter of 2021.

This appointment is the culmination of an orderly handover process that began months ago in compliance with the Succession Plan approved by Banco Sabadell. After his retirement as CEO, Jaime Guardiola will remain part of the bank as Chairman of Banco Sabadell México.

César González-Bueno's appointment as CEO will provide Banco Sabadell with the leadership of a respected industry executive and enable it to face future challenges with confidence, improving efficiency, accelerating its transformation and digitalization, and increasing its profitability.

Josep Oliu, Chairman of Banco Sabadell, commented:

'César's extensive experience, as well as his proven track-record of leading strategic transformation in innovation, digitalization, and restructuring make him the ideal candidate. In this new phase, the bank is focused on accelerating its digital strategy, as well as strengthening its domestic franchise in its leading markets. I am certain that César will play a key part in furthering the Group's digital offer.

'Since he joined Banco Sabadell in 2007, Jaime Guardiola has played a fundamental role in the bank's growth and consolidation, making Sabadell one of the best franchises in Spain. Without his work, dedication, and vision, it would be impossible for us to tackle this new stage for the bank.'

César González-Bueno added:

'It is a great honour to be asked to lead Banco Sabadell, one of Spain's most respected institutions. The bank has a first-class franchise and a client base that will enable it to grow and to successfully tackle the challenges of future.

'Banco Sabadell is already adapting its business model and will be highly competitive in a rapidly changing environment. I am looking forward to working with the team to lead this process and, together, to unlock potential future value for our shareholders.'

Finally, Jaime Guardiola stated:

'Driving the bank's growth and working with such a committed team over these last thirteen years has been an outstanding experience, but the show must go on. César, whom I have known for years, is a proven and successful professional. He has my full backing now and in the future.'