Ken Lewis on Leaving BofA

Melissa Hankins: Hello, my name is Melissa Hankins from WBTV. Could I ask you to get a few words about stepping down. Was the decision your own sir? Kenneth Lewis: It has been reported exactly as it was in the press. Melissa Hankins: And what is that? Could you give me a few details? Kenneth Lewis: No. You just read the papers. Melissa Hankins: We have read the papers sir. Tell me about why you decided to step down now. Kenneth Lewis: I have already explained it in the press. Melissa Hankins: Can you please, just give us a few words on camera? Was there any pressure from federal regulatory --? Kenneth Lewis: Absolutely no pressure. Melissa Hankins: Absolutely no pressure outside. Kenneth Lewis: That is right. Melissa Hankins: So, why now when you have been holding on to your job for so long? I mean, you have been there for 40 years. Why not wait a couple of extra. Kenneth Lewis: You always know when it is time, and it was time. Melissa Hankins: Why was it time? Kenneth Lewis: Intuitively, you know. Melissa Hankins: Can you explain a little bit? Kenneth Lewis: No. That is all I can say. Melissa Hankins: I have read that you were tired of getting mud slung in your face that you were just -- Kenneth Lewis: I have told you what I told the Board. Melissa Hankins: Okay, what are your plans next? Kenneth Lewis: I don't have any. Melissa Hankins: No? How do you feel about the condition of the bank right now? Kenneth Lewis: I feel great. Melissa Hankins: How you are leaving it? Kenneth Lewis: I feel great. It is poised to -- as soon as the accounting recovers to be the finest institution in the world. Melissa Hankins: Are you worried about an Interim CEO? I mean, the bank is in -- has a lot on its seat right now and you have got 45 -- I mean, to pay back to the government. If someone is there for just a short amount of time, how would that affect the bank? Kenneth Lewis: The bank has got great momentum. We have got great people internally to fill the slots and there will be slot and it will do very well. Melissa Hankins: All right. Do you have someone in mind that you would like to see step up? Kenneth Lewis: Yeah. Melissa Hankins: Yeah, one person? Kenneth Lewis: I have several people. Melissa Hankins: How long do you think it will be before we find out? Kenneth Lewis: I don't know. Melissa Hankins: All right. Thank you sir. I appreciate it.

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