Ken Lewis on Leaving BofA

Ken Lewis on Leaving BofA Melissa Hankins: Hi Lewis. My name is Melissa Hankins of WBTV 3. Ken Lewis: I need to keep going. Melissa Hankins: Can I ask you to get a few words, about stepping down. Was the decision your own sir? Ken Lewis: It's a, been reported exactly as it was in the press. Melisssa Hankins: And what is that? Could you give me a few details? Ken Lewis: No! I mean just read the papers. Melissa Hankins: We have read the papers sir. Tell me about why you decided to step down now? Ken Lewis: I’ve 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 Regulatories? Ken Lewis: Absolutely no pressure. Melissa Hankins: Absolutely no pressure outside. Ken Lewis: Right. Melissa Hankins: So why now, when you’ve been holding on to your job for long. I mean you’ve been there for 40 years, why not wait the couple of extra? Ken Lewis: You always know when it's time, and it was time. Melissa Hankins: Why was it time? Ken Lewis: Intuitively you know. Melissa Hankins: Can you explain a little bit? Ken Lewis: No, that’s all I can say. Melissa Hankins: I’ve read that you were tired of getting mud-slunged in your face, that you’re just— Ken Lewis: No. I’ve told you what I’ve told the board. Melissa Hankins: Okay. What’re your plans next? Ken Lewis: I don’t have any. Melissa Hankins: No? How do you feel about the position of the bank right now? Ken Lewis: I feel great. Melissa Hankins: Of how you’re leaving it? Ken Lewis: I feel great, it's a poised to, as soon as the courtroom covers to pay their 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 plate right now, and you got 45, are you going to pay back to the government? If someone is there for just a short amount of time, how would that affect the bank? Ken Lewis: The bank’s got great momentum, we’ve got great people in internally at the field—I filled the slots and all these slot and it will do very well. Melissa Hankins: Alright, who—do you have someone in mind that you would like to see step-up? Ken Lewis: Yes. Melissa Hankins: You have one person? Ken Lewis: I have several people. Melissa Hankins: How long do you think it would be before we find out? Ken Lewis: I don’t know. Melissa Hankins: Alright, thank you sir. I’d appreciate that. Ken Lewis: You know, at least we are safe.