CEO Alexandre Zeller to leave BCV

Alexandre Zeller has informed BCV of his decision to step down after almost six years as CEO of the Group. The announcement comes as the Bank publishes strong financial results for 2007, “a sign that BCV is solidly back on track,” said Zeller. He will leave the Bank on 30 June 2008. The professional opportunity Mr Zeller will be pursuing once he leaves BCV and the Board’s choice for his replacement as CEO will be made public shortly.

Lausanne, Switzerland, 5 March 2008. After six successful years at the helm of BCV Group, CEO Alexandre Zeller has decided to step down. Zeller, who is 47, feels that the timing is right, both for himself and for the Bank, and wishes to pursue a new career opportunity and tackle new challenges.

Mr. Zeller will continue to preside the Executive Board as CEO at least through the Bank’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 24 April 2008. The Board of Directors has taken the necessary measures to ensure his succession, and the name of BCV’s next CEO will be made public within the next few weeks.

The Board greatly regrets Mr. Zeller’s departure, and would like to express its sincere appreciation for the skill with which Mr. Zeller has run BCV ever since he took the helm in October, 2002. The Directors wish him all the best for his career.

Contact(s)

Christian Jacot-Descombes, Press Officer
Phone + 41 21 212 28 61
E-mail

Wilhelm Blaeuer, Investor relations
Phone + 41 21 212 20 71
E-mail

This press release is being issued outside the trading hours of the SIX, Swiss Exchange in order to comply with the principles of ad hoc disclosure pursuant to the SIX listing rules.

The above text is a translation of the original French document; only the French version is authoritative.