In a press release published Thursday, the bank announced that Delcourt, who took up his duties in October 2014, will have some time out before starting new professional projects.

His decision to leave the bank with its 2,000 employees is not linked to the arrival of a new shareholder in July 2018, in this case Legend Holdings of China. Indeed, he has accepted a mission to advise Legend Holdings on its international investment activities.

“I'm going to start a second phase of my professional life. I no longer seek a career, nor do I have a clear plan. I just know I won't do the same thing in another bank,” he said.

Marcel Leyers. Photo: Bil

Unanimous appointment

Leyers, 56, was unanimously appointed by the board of directors. A Luxembourger by birth, he joined the bank in 1983 and currently serves as head of corporate and institutional banking and is a member of the authorised management.

“I am sad to see Hugues Delcourt leave, and I thank him for his excellent contribution to the development of Bil,” said Luc Frieden, chairman of the bank's board of directors. 

Both men will work on the transition until 1 May.