Intesa Sanpaolo Shareholders' Meeting: statements by Chairman and CEO

Following his renewal as Chairman of Intesa Sanpaolo by the Shareholders' Meeting, Gian Maria Gros-Pietro stated:

"First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to the Bank’s shareholders – the Foundations, institutional investors, and all those who have renewed their trust in me by confirming my appointment as Chairman of Intesa Sanpaolo for the next three years. Receiving this renewed support at such a crucial moment is both a great honour and a great responsibility, one that I undertake alongside an exceptionally distinguished Board.

"I extend my sincere thanks to the outgoing Directors for their valuable and significant contributions. The newly appointed Board is composed of individuals of equally recognised professionalism and standing, and I am confident that our work together will be both fruitful and marked by constructive dialogue.

"Over the course of the term just concluded, the world has been shaped by growing geopolitical and economic tensions. We are now confronted with a situation characterised by the introduction of tariffs that are reshaping the global economic system as we have known it for the past thirty years. Issues of security and defence are beginning to profoundly influence the economic policies of many European countries. More than ever, the world needs a Europe equal to its role.

"As a business economist, I am accustomed to looking to the future with optimism, just as entrepreneurs do, and to facing every challenge by both preparing the necessary tools and seizing the opportunities that arise.

"In this rapidly evolving environment, Intesa Sanpaolo is committed to remaining a leading player, supporting a model of cohesive, innovative, and sustainable development, thanks to the outstanding professionalism within the Group with whom I have had the privilege of working and will continue to collaborate over the next three years.

"Intesa Sanpaolo has allocated €200 billion through 2028 – €40 billion of which is dedicated to Southern Italy – to support businesses investing in our country, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of Italian regions and their strategic position within global trade routes.

"Our strong commitment to sustainability is reflected in the Bank’s strong positioning in leading international ESG indices, while our extensive social programs are making a meaningful contribution to building a more cohesive community.

"Under the wise and determined leadership of Carlo Messina, renewed in his role as CEO, we are prepared to face the times ahead with the same dedication and professionalism that have distinguished us thus far.

"In a changing world, Intesa Sanpaolo will remain a pillar of stability: the engine of the real and social economy of our country, and a European banking leader for the years to come."

Gian Maria Gros-Pietro
Chairman
Intesa Sanpaolo

Following his reappointment as CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo by the Board of Directors, Carlo Messina commented:

“My first thought as I begin a new term leading Intesa Sanpaolo is for the People of our Bank. Throughout all my years at Intesa Sanpaolo – across the different phases of my career and in my time at the helm of the Group – my commitment has always been driven by the relationships with our People. I am deeply grateful to them, whose outstanding professionalism is the foundation of our success.

"I thank our Shareholders and the Board of Directors for confirming me for a new term as CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo.

"I am honoured to be able to count, over the next three years, on a Board of Directors made up of individuals with outstanding expertise and experience, once again chaired by Gian Maria Gros-Pietro, to whom I extend my heartfelt thanks for the professional and personal contribution he has always made available to our Group.

"Since I became CEO, the long-term vision of our stable shareholders – particularly the Foundations – has allowed us to build long-term plans and exceed our targets, even through highly complex periods such as the COVID-19 emergency and the conflicts on Europe’s borders and in the Middle East.

"Today, I reaffirm my utmost commitment to leading our Group in the interests of all our stakeholders – shareholders, customers, our People, and the communities we serve – at a time of profound change in the Italian banking landscape and in an international landscape that is rapidly evolving.

"Over the past ten years, Intesa Sanpaolo has achieved the highest total shareholder return among European banks – combining share price appreciation and dividend distribution – with growth of 259% since 1 January 2014. During this period, the Bank distributed €34 billion in cash dividends to shareholders, including the balance relating to 2024 results that will be paid on 21 May. Since 2014, Intesa Sanpaolo’s market capitalization has increased by 162%, with a total gain of €54 billion.

"Our ability to generate strong and sustainable profitability enabled us to achieve a record net income of €8.7 billion in 2024, the best result in our history.

"Care and commitment to our communities are deeply embedded in the roots of our Group. Over the past decade, we have steadily expanded our programmes supporting financial, educational, and social inclusion. Between 2018 and 2022, our initiatives reached €1 billion in value, with a further commitment of €1.5 billion planned between 2023 and 2027.

"In the coming years, we will continue to act with the responsibility of leading a major bank with a central role in the real and social economy, and with the vision to help build a fairer, more innovative, and more sustainable economy.

"Our leadership in providing credit, our highly diversified business model strengthened by our international leadership in wealth management and protection, our zero-NPL profile, and our sector-leading profitability will confirm Intesa Sanpaolo’s standing as a leading European bank in the years ahead.”

Carlo Messina
CEO
Intesa Sanpaolo