Sept 12 (Reuters) - Bank of America ( BAC ) appointed

Dean Athanasia and Jim DeMare as co-presidents on Friday, in a

sign that the second-largest U.S. lender is preparing potential

successors for CEO Brian Moynihan.

"In their new roles as co-presidents, Dean and Jim will work

with me to drive broad-ranging, strategic efforts that are

central to our long-term performance," Moynihan said in a letter

shared with the employees.

Still, Moynihan reinforced his commitment to lead the

company through the end of the decade. The CEO is one of the

industry's longest-serving leaders. He took the reins in 2010

after a tumultuous succession process, steering the bank's

turnaround after the 2008 financial crisis.

Chief Financial Officer Alastair Borthwick was also

appointed as an executive vice president.

"They are being groomed based on this move, but Bank of

America ( BAC ) has said very little about succession," said Stephen

Biggar, an analyst at Argus Research.