Banca Popolare dell'Emilia Romagna : Luigi Odorici appointed Managing Director

The Board of Directors of Banca popolare dell'Emilia Romagna, during today's meeting, unanimously decided to co-opt on the Board Luigi Odorici and to appoint him as Managing Director.

Mr. Odorici, who maintains his position of General Manager, is from Modena; he has a degree in Economics and Commerce; he joined in 1973 the then Banca Popolare di Modena; he then assumed positions of increasing responsibility first in Banca popolare dell'Emilia Romagna and then in another bank of the BPER banking group; he also sits as the Bank's representative on the Boards of Directors of several companies, subsidiaries and affiliates.

The Board of Directors also approved the establishment of a Strategy Committee, to be chaired by Prof. Giuseppe Lusignani.

"The appointment of Luigi Odorici" - the Chairman Ettore Caselli declares - "is intended as a continuation of the work performed in recent years by the Management of the Bank and makes full use of a person who is greatly appreciated for his skills and profound knowledge of our banking group". "Odorici" - adds Caselli - "will enhance the quality of the relationship with our members and shareholders and will have the challenging task of developing the new three year business plan 2012-2014."

"I thank the Board of Directors for the trust that have shown me" - says Odorici - "I have been working in this bank for over 35 years and I took part in the process of construction and consolidation of our banking group, which today represents one of the largest in Italy. Now we have to continue this undertaken path: I am confident that this will take place, thanks to the efforts of all the women and men working for the BPER Group and of the constant and qualified support provided by the team of top managers who will assist me. "