SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

The Peoples BancTrust Company, Inc. (NASDAQ Capital Market: PBTC) has named Don J. Giardina as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of its holding company and subsidiary, The Peoples Bank & Trust Company.

Effective Sept. 1, 2006, he succeeds Ted M. Henry, who has served as interim CEO since the death of Walter A. Parrent.

&8220;We are excited about Don Giardina joining Peoples as President and CEO,&8221; stated Ted M. Henry, chairman of the board.

&8220;He brings over 20 years of banking experience and is a proven leader with an outstanding reputation. He will be responsible for setting and executing our strategies to build long-term value for Peoples BancTrust shareholders.&8221;

Giardina, age 56, most recently served as President of Life Care Centers of America, Inc., headquartered in Cleveland, Tenn.

At Life Care Centers, Giardina was responsible for the day-to-day oversight of 260 health facilities in 28 states.

Prior to that, he has held executive positions at other Alabama banks including President and CEO of The Bank and President and CEO of Colonial Bank in Birmingham.

Giardina has been actively involved in a number of professional, civic and church organizations.

A native of Birmingham, he is a graduate of the University of Alabama and a Certified Public Accountant.

&8220;For over 100 years, Peoples Bank has been a strong community bank serving Alabama.

We have excellent opportunities for both internal growth and expansion into new markets.

&8220;I am eager to start working with our seasoned management team and outstanding Board of Directors to build long-term value for our shareholders,&8221; stated

Giardina.

The Peoples BancTrust Company, Inc. is the eighth largest bank headquartered in Alabama with assets of approximately $868 million as of June 30, 2006.

It is the parent company of The Peoples Bank and Trust Company, which has 24 offices located in 10 Alabama counties, including Shelby, Bibb, Butler, Dallas, Elmore, Jefferson, Lee, Montgomery, Autauga and Tuscaloosa