Advanta Corp. promotes James W. John to president of Advanta International

Business Wire, Nov 25, 1996

SPRING HOUSE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 25, 1996--Advanta Corp. (NASDAQ: ADVNB; ADVNA) announced Monday that James W. John, formerly senior vice president of Corporate Administration, has been promoted to president of Advanta International.

John's promotion fills the position that opened last month when James Allhusen, formerly the head of Advanta International, began transitioning into the presidency of Advanta's credit card unit. This transition will be complete at the first of the year. John, 46, now will be responsible for expanding the company,s business into selected markets around the world.

"The leadership Jim has demonstrated during his two years with Advanta and the command of global business he proved time and again during his years at MasterCard caused us to look no further than our own organization to fill this pivotal role," said Allhusen. "Jim is stepping in at a crucial point, when a number of potential markets beyond the United Kingdom have been identified, but the challenging work of actually launching products in them lies ahead. With Jim's lead, Advanta is ready to meet this challenge."

In his previous position at Advanta, John was responsible for all corporate staff functions, including advertising and corporate communications, community programs, corporate identity, government relations, human resources, internal audit, and facilities management.

John came to Advanta from MasterCard International, where he was executive vice president, responsible for developing business in Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, he managed the global marketing functions, brand development, market research, advertising and worldwide promotions such as MasterCard's World Cup Soccer sponsorship.

Prior to his work at MasterCard, John was vice president and director of electronic banking at First Interstate Bancorp, the largest retail bank in the U.S.

John received his M.B.A. from California State University, Dominquez Hills, after studying accounting as an undergraduate at California State University, Fullerton. He resides with his family in Blue Bell, Pa.

With nearly six million customers, over $18 billion in managed assets and 3,400 employees at Sept. 30, 1996, Advanta is a rapidly growing consumer financial services enterprise. The company proudly serves consumers and small businesses through high quality, innovative offerings of credit cards, mortgages, leases, insurance and deposit products. -0- Editor's Note: Photo of James W. John available upon request. Please call Stacey Chazin at 215/732-4100, ext. 2

CONTACT: Advanta Corp.

Phyllis Hoffman 215/444-5073

or

The Tierney Group

Stacey Chazin 215/732-4100