MONTREAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - March 2, 2012) - National Bank (TSX:NA) has announced that Réjean Lévesque, Executive Vice-President, Personal and Commercial Banking, will be retiring on October 31, 2012, and that Diane Giard, who is currently Executive Vice-President, Marketing, will be his successor. Over the next few months, Mr. Lévesque will be working to make sure that his responsibilities are transferred in a smooth and structured manner. A replacement will be chosen for Ms. Giard's position during that period.

These changes are part of National Bank's rigorous succession planning process, and are intended to help ensure an uncompromising client experience and pursue the One client, one bank transformation.

Réjean Lévesque joined the Bank in 1988. With his qualities as a motivating leader, he held a number of management positions and strongly contributed to the achievement of the business objectives of the sectors where he worked. Mr. Lévesque has been a member of the Office of the President since February 2008. He was also appointed Chair of the Executive Council of the Canadian Bankers Association in May 2010.

"I would like to sincerely thank Réjean Lévesque for the key role he has played in the Bank's success. As part of the One client, one bank transformation, he was able to bring about major organizational changes while remaining constantly attuned to his employees and the needs of clients. We now boast a state-of-the-art network of branches, staffed by highly motivated employees who are committed to rolling out the red carpet for our clients on a daily basis," said Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Diane Giard joined National Bank and the Office of the President on September 26, 2011. Ms. Giard is a key player in the business community, and has more than 30 years' experience in the banking industry, notably as Senior Vice-President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario and Senior Vice-President of Canadian Banking's Customer Experience and Distribution Strategy at Scotiabank. The various mandates she has carried out have enabled her to develop extensive knowledge of client segments nationwide.

Complete biographical notes are available on request or on the National Bank website at [ www.nbc.ca ].

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group that provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank had over CDN$175 billion in assets as at January 31, 2012, according to Canadian GAAP, and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 19,785 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:NA). For more information, visit the Bank's website at [ www.nbc.ca ]. To access National Bank's financial education portal, visit [ www.clearfacts.ca ].

The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.

Contributing Sources

---

Market Wire