CWB appoints Chris Fowler as President and Chief Executive Officer

EDMONTON, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian Western Bank (TSX: CWB) (CWB or the Bank) today announced the official appointment of Chris Fowler as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). While the expectation of this leadership transition has already been widely communicated, it was officially confirmed today by a positive vote of shareholders at the Bank's 2013 Annual and Special Meeting.

"I'm thrilled about this opportunity to lead and carry on CWB's history of growth and success," says Chris. "Our strategy to build long-term value for shareholders is based on creating an environment that supports our employees to develop fulsome and highly valued business relationships with our clients. We will also maintain our commitment to be active in the communities where we live and do business. Larry Pollock's legacy is a tremendous platform for future growth, and our focus is to realize on this potential."

Chris first joined CWB in 1991 and has consistently demonstrated thoughtful and focused leadership in progressively senior positions. Most recently, as CWB's President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Fowler was primarily responsible for banking operations and credit risk management. He has been instrumental in the creation and implementation of CWB Group's strategic direction and has played an integral role in the organization's success to date.

About Canadian Western Bank Group

Canadian Western Bank offers highly personalized service through 41 branch locations and is the largest publicly traded Canadian bank headquartered in Western Canada. The Bank specializes in mid-market commercial lending and offers a full complement of personal banking services. The Bank, along with its operating affiliates, National Leasing Group Inc., Canadian Western Trust Company, Valiant Trust Company, Canadian Direct Insurance Incorporated, Adroit Investment Management Ltd. and Canadian Western Financial Ltd., collectively offer a diversified range of financial services across Canada and are together known as Canadian Western Bank Group. The common shares of Canadian Western Bank are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "CWB". The Bank's Series 3 Preferred Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "CWB.PR.A". Refer to www.cwb.com for additional information.

Image with caption: "CWB appoints Chris Fowler as President and Chief Executive Officer (CNW Group/Canadian Western Bank)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130307_C3359_PHOTO_EN_24418.jpg

SOURCE: Canadian Western Bank

Kirby Hill, CFA
Director, Strategy & Communications
Canadian Western Bank
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] 

Chris Fowler
President & CEO
Canadian Western Bank
Phone: [phone]