Groupe Bikini Village inc. (TSX:GBV) ("Groupe Bikini Village" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Joseph Iannicelli, as a director of the Corporation.

Mr. Iannicelli was until recently the President & Chief Executive Officer of Standard Life Assurance of Canada, a position he had assumed between 2005 and early 2012. This followed 10 years of progressively more senior management roles within the Canadian operations of Standard Life.

During his successful career with Standard Life, Mr. Iannicelli participated in the development of a cohesive, motivated and high performing management group leading a team of over 2000 employee partners. As CEO, he was responsible for developing and implementing a new Canadian strategy and vision for Standard Life and through his participation in the Global Group Executive Committee contributed to the creation of the Group's Global strategy.

Mr. Iannicelli was until rencently a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and several insurance industry boards and committees. He has been an active participant in numerous healthcare foundations and is recognized for his contribution to charitable and community events in the metropolitan Montreal area.

Mr. Iannicelli holds two degrees from York University, Toronto.

Commenting on Mr. Iannicelli's appointment as a director of Groupe Bikini Village, Helene F. Fortin FCA, Chairwoman of the Board stated that "Joseph's senior management, strategic planning and investment experiences will contribute to the strength of the Corporations' Board of Directors as it explores operational and strategic opportunities".

About Groupe Bikini Village

Groupe Bikini Village, serving Canadians for more than a quarter-century, is a leading swimwear & beachwear retailer with a network of new and renovated boutiques across Eastern Canada. In its bright and inviting stores, Groupe Bikini Village helps its customers choose from among Canada's widest selection of swimsuits, cruise wear, and beach accessories, in the most popular brands the industry has to offer and in styles to suit every figure. Headquartered in Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Groupe Bikini Village operates 57 stores and employs approximately 450 people; its securities trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol GBV. For more information about the Corporation, please visit our website at www.bikinivillage.com.

Contacts: Yves Simard President and Chief Executive Officer (450) 449-1310 ext 4797ysimard@bikinivillage.com