New CEO Mr. Gazmend Kadriu takes over management of NLB Banka as Mr. Albert Lumezi approaches his well-deserved retirement

Due to the forthcoming retirement of Mr. Albert Lumezi, a long-term CEO of NLB Banka Prishtina, whose contribution towards the growth and outstanding results of our Bank was truly exceptional, Mr. Gazmend Kadriu will take over this position as of 1 April 2023.

Throughout his tenure at NLB Banka sh.a., Mr. Albert Lumezi has demonstrated exemplary leadership, guiding the organization through numerous years of growth and innovation. His visionary approach has been critical in shaping the Bank into the successful entity it is today. His unwavering commitment to integrity and ethical business practices has set a high standard for all employees of NLB Banka sh.a. to follow, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in the banking industry.

Under his leadership, NLB Banka sh.a. has expanded its customer base and diversified its product offerings, solidifying its position as a leading financial institution in the market. NLB Banka Prishtina currently holds the position of the second-largest bank in the market based on all key performance indicators, including total assets, loans, and deposits. However, when it comes to net profit, NLB Banka stands out as the top-ranked bank, holding the first position in the market. As he moves into retirement, his presence and contributions will be deeply missed by all members of the company, and we extend our best wishes for his future endeavors.

Mr. Lumezi expressed his confidence in the Bank's future with its new CEO. “With experience and expertise, the new CEO is well-equipped to lead the Bank towards even greater success. I have no doubt that the Bank will continue to thrive and grow under the new leadership. Let us extend a warm welcome to the new CEO, Mr. Gazmend Kadriu, and wish him every success in his new role” said Mr. Lumezi.

Taking over as the new CEO, Mr. Gazmend Kadriu, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. He is an experienced banker with over 30 years spent in the banking systems of Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia, in commercial banking, as well as bank supervision, auditing and consulting. He will work closely with the board of directors and the rest of the company's leadership team to ensure that NLB Banka sh.a. continues to provide the highest quality products and services to its customers.

Mr. Gazmend Kadriu was the Chief Executive Officer and later a member of the Board of Directors of Union Bank in Albania since 2005. Prior to that, he was CEO of the New Bank of Kosovo in 2004. He has also served as member of the Board of Directors and Risk Management Committee in NLB Tutunska Banka Skopje in Macedonia. Mr. Kadriu has also worked as Head of Bank Supervision Department of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia (1996 – 1998), followed by bank auditing and consulting, including Ernst & Young Skopje.

"I am excited to join NLB Banka sh.a. and lead the Bank through its next phase of growth and innovation," said Mr. Gazmend Kadriu. "I look forward to building upon the foundation that Mr. Albert Lumezi has established and working alongside the talented team at NLB Banka sh.a. to drive continued success for the Bank and its stakeholders."

His thoughts were echoed by Mr. Blaž Brodnjak, CEO of the NLB Group’s parent bank NLB d.d., who welcomed the new colleague, Mr. Gazmend Kadriu, and above all thanked his long-termed departing colleague Mr. Albert Lumezi for his outstanding leadership of the bank and contribution to the Groups results. “I am enormously proud of and privileged by the opportunity to have been working alongside Albert as utmost professional and experienced banker and leader. Together we achieved truly great things and with its key performance indicators NLB Banka Prishtina undoubtedly belongs to the most successful banks in the whole region. On behalf of the management of the Group I would also like to welcome our new colleague, Mr. Kadriu, to our ranks. Welcome to the leading banking and financial Group with exclusive strategic focus on our home region of South-Eastern Europe. We look forward to working with you, and further strengthen our presence on the Kosovo's and regional market.”

While we thank our retiring CEO and welcome our new leader, we want to reassure our clients, employees, and stakeholders that our dedication to excellence and success remains unwavering. We are confident that under the leadership of our new CEO, NLB Banka sh.a. will continue to thrive and reach new levels of success.