Réal Raymond has been chosen to succeed André Bérard as president and CEO of National Bank of Canada as of March 2002.

To ensure a smooth transition, Raymond, currently president – personal and commercial bank, has been named president and COO, effective immediately.

Raymond, who joined the bank in 1970, has held management positions in retail banking, commercial banking and financial markets and has been president – personal and commercial bank since 1999.

Bérard, who over the past 15 years has held the positions of president and COO, president and CEO, and chairman of the board and CEO, will remain chairman of the board of National Bank.