Today, the Board of the National Bank of Georgia elected Natia Turnava as the first Vice Governor of the NBG. The position of First Vice Governor was introduced by the amendments made by the Parliament of Georgia to the Organic Law on the National Bank of Georgia. The first Vice Governor performs the duties of the Governor in the absence of the latter. Notably, this will be the first precedent of a woman performing the duties of the Governor of the National Bank of Georgia.

"It is a great responsibility to hold the position of First Vice Governor, to be the Acting Governor of the institute responsible for the financial stability of the country. Outstanding professionals work for the National Bank of Georgia, we are united by our loyalty to the NBG, and the common goal of serving the economic prosperity of the country. Georgia managed to maintain financial stability and international ratings even during the pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war. Naturally, all the reforms/projects that the NBG has been working on will continue, including the support for the development of digital technologies and the latest innovations. Also, we will pay special attention, within the framework of our mandate, to the economic empowerment of women, which is crucial for economic development", said Natia Turnava.

The Parliament elected Natia Turnava as a member of the Board of the National Bank of Georgia last year, on June 7^th. Prior to joining the NBG Board, Natia Turnava, throughout almost 30 years of professional experience, has held various high-ranking positions. An economist by profession, she holds a Ph.D. in economics. She also took her Master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Cumbria, Great Britain, in 2014.

In 2019-2022 Natia Turnava held the position of Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, having been a Deputy Minister in 2018-2019. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Executive Director of the Partnership Fund for five years.

In 2006-2013, Natia Turnava was a member of the Board of Directors of Georgian Industrial Group (GIG), Ltd; General Director and a Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Georgian International Energy Corporation Ltd.  Earlier, in 2000-2005, Turnava served as the First Deputy Minister of Economy of Georgia.

The Board of the National Bank of Georgia is its highest governing body, which, according to the Organic Law on the National Bank of Georgia, consists of 9 members, elected by the Parliament of Georgia for a 7-year term on the nomination of the President.

After the briefing Natia Turnava answered the questions of the media: "It is very important for our country to continue strong, efficient and close cooperation with the International Monetary Fund, and for that we will do everything. The National Bank of Georgia will also continue close cooperation with the international organizations and the central banks of other countries. All the regulations and restrictions that the USA, the European Union and Great Britain have imposed on Russia from the very first days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will remain in force. The independence of the National Bank of Georgia is guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia, the country’s main legislative act, and the Organic Law on the National Bank of Georgia. Naturally, in certain issues, there will be coordination with the Government's economic team," said Natia Turnava.