Expected changes at the top of CEC Bank?

Rumors have been making the rounds in the banking market, according to which Radu Graţian Gheţea is going to step down as CEO of CEC Bank and to take over a position of vice-president of the bank. However, Mr. Gheţea told us that he intends to complete his term, which expires in 2015.

Our sources told us that several names have been slated to replace Radu Graţian Gheţea, including the current first-vice-president of CEC Bank, Andrei Liviu Stamatian, but none of the potential replacements has several supporters.

The National Bank of Romania (BNR) has allegedly forwarded a nomination to the government, which was turned down, according to some people close to the talks.

Radu Graţian Gheţea is one of the most well known and influential individuals in the Romanian banking system. Born in 1949, in Roman, he has a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Bucharest (1972) and in Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies (1981). His career began at the Computing Center of the Banking-Financial System, where he worked for the automation project of the Romanian Bank for Foreign Trade (BRCE), to which he subsequently moved. He worked at the BRCE until 1994, having served in his last eight years there as CEO and member of the Executive Office.

In 1994, he joined Alpha Bank Romania as first vice-president and member of the Board. Between February 1st and May 11th, 2007, he held the position of Chairman of the Board at Alpha Bank Romania. Since 2007, he has served as CEO of CEC Bank.

In 1997, he was elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Romanian Banking Association (ARB), and since 2000 has served as its chairman.

He is an associate professor and honorary member of the Romanian Banking Institute and a member of the Romanian Association for the Club of Rome.