CarriĆ³n to remain Popular CEO, Chair after IOC election
Richard CarriĆ³n
Popular Inc. announced Tuesday that Richard CarriĆ³n will continue as CEO and Chairman of the financial institution after participating as a candidate for president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
CarriĆ³n 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. CarriĆ³n was one of six candidates vying for the position, finishing with 29 votes behind Bachās 49 votes.
āMy 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,ā CarriĆ³n said in a statement.
āWith 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,ā he added.
After the elections, CarriĆ³n told reporters that in this competition, āthere are no silver medals,ā adding he felt disappointed with the results.
He also said he āwanted this victory for Puerto Rico and feel I let them down.ā
However, words of support came quickly for CarriĆ³n after the outcome of the election was revealed, both from government and his peers.
āI’m very proud of the work Richard CarriĆ³n did and this should be a permanent agenda for Puerto Rico,ā Secretary of State David Bernier told NotiCel. āWhenever there is an opportunity to occupy an important position in an international organization, Puerto Ricans must make ourselves available. Richard CarriĆ³n did, and thatās we have to keep doing.ā
Meanwhile, JosĆ© Rafael FernĆ”ndez, who is taking over the helm of the Puerto Rico Baners Association this month, touted CarriĆ³nās work at the IOC.
āHe 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,ā FernĆ”ndez said.
āWe at the Bankers Association, were supportive of his candidacy and we remain so today – when the IOC has made a different determination,ā he said. āWeāre 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.”
CarriĆ³n will remain at his post as head of the IOCās finance committee.
