Outgoing Bank Hapoalim (LSE:BKHD; TASE:POLI) chairman Eli Yones is not a candidate for CEO or chairman of First International Bank of Israel (TASE:FIBI), following the sale of the bank to the Bino-Liberman group. Rumors about Yones, fed by his friendship with Zadik Bino, circulated after he resigned from Bank Hapoalim a few weeks ago.
In contrast with other rumors, Yones does not plan to remain in his position. He is determined to leave his position with the appointment of a CEO, and plans to enter private business.
The Bank Hapoalim controlling shareholders plan to choose a CEO for the bank in the next two weeks. A committee headed by chairman Shlomo Nehama is handling the appointment. Bank sector sources believe that head of retail banking and marketing Zvi Ziv is the leading candidate.
A game of musical chairs is currently taking place in the Israeli banking system. Two CEOs are leaving their posts: Yones at Bank Hapoalim, and Union Bank of Israel CEO Benjamin Oshman, probably by decision of the controlling shareholders. Personnel changes are also possible at First International, following the sale of control in the bank.
Despite recent reports, First International CEO David Granot is likely to continue in his post, and is not a candidate for CEO at Bank Hapoalim, which has made no offer to him. The Bino-Liberman group wants Granot to remain in his position at present.
On the other hand, First International chairman Shlomo Piotrkowsky is expected to make way for a new chairman, who will represent the new shareholders. Bank of Israel restrictions make Bino himself, a former First International CEO, ineligible for the post of chairman.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on April 29, 2003