Kerli Vares to leave Luminor at the end of the year

Luminor announces today that Kerli Vares has decided to leave the bank and will step down as Luminor’s Head of Retail Banking and as Manager of the Latvian branch effective 30 December 2024.

Kerli has been a member of Luminor’s Management Board since the bank was established in 2017. In her capacity as the Head of Retail Banking and Head of the Latvian branch, Kerli led the development of the bank’s retail business and has been instrumental in building the organization and Luminor’s brand.

Wojciech Sass, Chief Executive Officer, will assume responsibility for the Retail Banking division to ensure a smooth transition while Luminor recruits a new head of division. Ossi Leikola, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed as the Manager of Luminor’s Latvian branch, effective 31 December 2024. His appointment is subject to regulatory approval. Gita Juršāne, Head of Luminor’s Retail and Investments Legal Department, will support him in his role as the local Deputy.

Nils Melngailis, Chair of the Supervisory Council, said: “I thank Kerli for her significant contribution to Luminor’s development, having been with us from the very beginning. Her leadership and achievements are highly valued, and she leaves with my appreciation and best wishes.”

Wojciech Sass, Chief Executive Officer, added: “Kerli has been a highly valued member of Luminor management team. Her commitment to continuously improving the experience of customers when banking with us and growing our retail business are highly appreciated. I thank Kerli for her contributions to Luminor during her time with us as she leaves us on a growth trajectory and wish her the best for the future.”

Kerli Vares, Head of Retail Banking and Manager of Latvian branch, said: “‘It has been an honour and a unique opportunity to have been a part of Luminor’s creation and growth from the very first day. I am very proud of the hard work and progress made by the team during this time, and thankful to our customers for their trust in us. With Luminor boosting customer satisfaction, growing the number of customers, and increasing new lending, now is the right time for me to explore new professional opportunities.

‘I look forward to watching Luminor succeed and grow. I am very grateful to all of my colleagues at the bank – especially in Retail Banking and the Latvian branch – who have made the past seven years so special.”