Regions Bank said Ronnie Smith, head of the company’s Corporate Banking Group, will retire at the end of the year following more than four decades of service to Regions and its predecessor banks.
Brian Willman, head of Commercial Banking for Regions, will succeed Smith as head of Regions’ Corporate Banking Group. Nikki Stephenson, head of Credit Products for Regions, will be elevated to serve as head of Commercial Banking.
Smith began his career in 1981 at Deposit Guaranty National Bank in Mississippi, one of the banks that would ultimately combine to become Regions in the years that followed.
Smith held numerous leadership roles before he was named head of Regions’ Corporate Banking Group in 2018.
“Ronnie’s leadership and integrity exemplify how we serve our customers. He leads by example, taking the time to understand what’s most important to business clients – and then guiding our teams in developing tailored financial solutions to help clients reach their goals,” said John Turner, chairman, president and CEO of Regions Financial Corp.
Turner added, “As a member of Ronnie’s team, Brian Willman shares in Regions’ commitment to superior service. Brian’s ability to build strong teams and his experience helping business owners and managers achieve success will ensure our Corporate Banking Group remains well positioned to continue exceeding the expectations of the businesses we serve.”
As head of the Corporate Banking Group, Willman will report directly to Turner. A 15-year veteran of Regions, Willman joined the bank in 2009 as community banking executive serving Georgia and South Carolina.
He was later elevated to further leadership roles, including area president for South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, as well as chief operating officer for Commercial Banking. He became head of Commercial Banking in early 2020.
In her new role, Stephenson will report directly to Willman, leveraging over 16 years of experience meeting the financial needs of Regions’ business clients.
Stephenson joined Regions’ Capital Markets division in 2008 from SunTrust Bank and has held a number of leadership roles throughout her tenure. Her background includes years of capital-raising experience for middle market clients, large corporate organizations, and private equity firms.
Smith, Willman and Stephenson will work closely with each other and additional leaders from Regions’ Corporate Banking Group to ensure a smooth transition of leadership in the coming months.
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $154 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services.
Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs.
