Herjola Spahiu

Over 17 years of proven experience in strategic planning, retail, operations and projects, organizational development and change management in the banking and financial sector.

After in depth banking experience, in April 2014 Ms. Herjola Spahiu took over the lead of the company as the Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Steering Council, focused on the fulfillment of the long-term objectives of NOA, building a strong senior managers' team able to collectively drive the business and achieve high results, ensuring the company is in full compliance with the legal and regulatory framework, Code of Conduct and acting at all times as the guardian of company’s values.

In the spirit of advocating and promoting the role of the microfinance sector in the Albanian economy, Ms. Spahiu held the position of Chairwoman of the Albanian Microfinance Association in the period 2015-2016.

2011-2014 2011-2014 In the position of Head of Retail Banking, she led successfully the transformation project under way for the smooth transitioning from Emporiki Group to Credit Agricole Group, ensuring alignment of the network with the new Group strategy and Compliance objectives.

2009 – 2011 Promoted as Chief Operations Officer, besides IT and Operations, Finance, Treasury and Administration she led successfully simultaneously the Project for the implementation of New Core Banking System (FlexCube) and the development of Retail Collection strategy, which resulted in the establishment of a dedicated structure in pursuit of non-performing loans, as well as in building specialized products for restructured loans.

2002 – 2009 After starting her early career in 2002 at Tirana Bank, she joined Credit Agricole in July 2003, being promoted in several job positions, following the bank’s expansion and focus during the period. In April 2006, she took over the responsibility to establish the Retail and Marketing Bank Division, reaching high scores and achieving a network expansion from 3 to 20 branches in main cities of the country. During this period, she successfully led the important project of: “Application of New Business Model” in the network of branches, a new philosophy of customer service with high quality and performance driven.

Ms. Herjola Spahiu graduated in Business Administration/Marketing at the Faculty of Economics in Vlora, in 2002, later attending postgraduate studies in Banking Management and Promotion of Banking Products, at the University of Athens. She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Degree from the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki. Recently, she has been awarded with a certificate in “Strategic Leadership in Inclusive Finance” from the Harvard Business University.