Popular Inc. announced Tuesday that Richard Carrión will continue as CEO and Chairman of the financial institution after participating as a candidate for president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Carrión came in second after Thomas Bach, who was elected to take over the top job at the Olympics during a vote in Argentina earlier in the day. Carrión was one of six candidates vying for the position, finishing with 29 votes behind Bach’s 49 votes.

“My candidacy was an enriching experience and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this process. I congratulate Thomas Bach for his election as new president of the IOC and I wish him the best of luck and lots of success,” Carrión said in a statement.

“With this election now behind me, I look forward to continuing our efforts to build on the strengths of our franchise, as well as devoting more time to promoting the economic and social development of the communities we serve,” he added.

After the elections, Carrión told reporters that in this competition, “there are no silver medals,” adding he felt disappointed with the results.

He also said he “wanted this victory for Puerto Rico and feel I let them down.”

However, words of support came quickly for Carrión after the outcome of the election was revealed, both from government and his peers.

“I’m very proud of the work Richard Carrión did and this should be a permanent agenda for Puerto Rico,” Secretary of State David Bernier told NotiCel. “Whenever there is an opportunity to occupy an important position in an international organization, Puerto Ricans must make ourselves available. Richard Carrión did, and that’s we have to keep doing.”

Meanwhile, José Rafael Fernández, who is taking over the helm of the Puerto Rico Baners Association this month, touted Carrión’s work at the IOC.

“He competed and did an excellent job. He conducted a serious and professional candidacy, he represented Puerto Rico well and conveyed to the world the resources we have in our industry and our island to take on difficult tasks,” Fernández said.

“We at the Bankers Association, were supportive of his candidacy and we remain so today – when the IOC has made a different determination,” he said. “We’re confident that Richard will continue with his usual enthusiasm and commitment both to sport and to Puerto Rico. Again, our thanks to Richard for a job well done.”

Carrión will remain at his post as head of the IOC’s finance committee.

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mkantrow@newsismybusiness.com

Michelle Kantrow-Vázquez

Business reporter with 25 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other areas of the economy.

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