Bartolom� V�lez was named President of Santander Financial Services, Inc. in February 2006. Prior to this appointment and since 2003, when he joined Santander, he served in various Senior positions of Banco Santander Puerto Rico, from Director of Retail Banking, Director of Consumer Credit and Director of the Special Loan Unit. Prior to his employment in 2003 with Santander, Mr. V�lez worked for Citigroup in various executive positions since 1987. Last two positions with Citigroup were as Global Liaison of Consumer and Commercial Credit and as Senior Country Business Credit Manager based in Panam�. From 1980 to 1987, Mr. V�lez worked in the San Juan office of Congress Financial Corp., from 1980 to 1987 as Credit Director and held various positions, from 1974 to 1980 in Chase Manhattan Bank in the San Juan office. Mr. V�lez received a B.A. Major in Accounting form University of Puerto Rico in 1974. From 1987 to 1989 participated of Continued Education Program from Wharton Business School in Philadelphia. Mr. V�lez has 32 years of experience in the banking industry. |