Louis Vachon named Financial Personality of the Year

MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank, has been named Financial Personality of the Year by the business publication Finance et Investissement at a gala event to celebrate the Top 25 of Quebec's Financial Industry. This distinction highlights the Bank's exceptional achievements in 2012 under Mr. Vachon's leadership. The Bank had another banner year in terms of financial performance, with its key performance indicators under the One client, one bank transformation posting significant gains.

"National Bank is a unique institution and this recognition reflects on all the executives, managers and employees, commented Louis Vachon. We are starting the new year with the same determination to continue making a valuable contribution to economic and social development."

Two other National Bank executives were among the Top 25 of Quebec's Financial Industry: Diane Giard, Executive Vice-President - Personal and Commercial Banking, and Luc Bertrand, Vice-Chairman, who ranked fifth on the list.

This latest accomplishment by the Bank's executives crowns a year of accolades and awards reflecting our employees' commitment and our clients' trust:

• Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures^TM (Waterstone Human Capital)
• 50 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)
• Lipper Awards for mutual funds
• Best Employers in Quebec (Aon Hewitt)
• Canada's Best Diversity Employers (Mediacorp Canada)
• World's strongest banks (Bloomberg Markets)
• Best Canadian Brands (Interbrand)

About National Bank of Canada
With $178 billion in assets as at October 31, 2012, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca), together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and was named among the five strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.

SOURCE: National Bank of Canada