EXHIBIT 99.1

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

   PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

      The undersigned executive officer of Banknorth Group, Inc. (the
"Registrant") hereby certifies that the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the three
months ended June 30, 2002 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained
therein fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Registrant.

                                     /s/ William J. Ryan
                                     -------------------
                                 Name: William J. Ryan
                                 Title: Chairman, President and Chief Executive
                                     Officer


Date: August 13, 2002