TALLINN, Sept. 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Today, Arunas Siksta, Chairman of the Board of Lithuanian Hansabankas (Other OTC:HNSBF) and member of the Board of Hansabank, submitted his letter of resignation to the Chairman of Hansabank Council.
The Chairman of the Council, Anders Sahlen, said that it was unfortunate to learn that Arunas Siksta has decided to leave the bank.
"The value of his contribution to Hansabank is unquestionable, both in building up Hansabankas' organization and in the successful integration of Hansabankas with the privatized Lithuanian Savings Bank. At the same time I recognize that a man of his capabilities may have ambitions to find new challenges in other businesses."
Arunas Siksta: "I appreciate very much the experience I have gained during my long service with Hansabank. I am going with confidence and a clean breast since I know that I leave behind a team of skilful and professional specialists and managers dedicated to providing excellent service to clients and to further developing the bank."
Anders Sahlen said that he is going to propose to the Council that the current vice-chairman of the Board of Hansabankas, Darius Nedzinskas be appointed as a member of the Board of Hansabank and as the Chief Executive of Hansabankas. The Council will convene for its next regular meeting on September 24th.
"Darius Nedzinskas has been with Hansabankas from the very beginning, proving himself to be a very skilled and reliable banker. I will be pleased to present his candidacy to the Council," said Anders Sahlen.
CEO Indrek Neivelt felt that Hansabank owes much of its today's success in Lithuania to Arunas Siksta. "The best way to judge a leader is by results. Arunas has clearly proven himself very capable by starting banking operations from scratch and building Hansabankas into the leading retail bank in Lithuania. I place especially high value on his ability to unite and motivate people," commented Neivelt.
Indrek Neivelt was happy to state that in Darius Nedzinskas the Group has found a worthy successor to Arunas Siksta. He pointed out Darius's extensive experience in crediting which is the heart of the banking business. Neivelt said that apart from being a highly deemed specialist, Darius Nedzinskas is an inspiring leader and has very high reputation both in the organization and the Lithuanian society.