After more than four decades of service to Regions Bank, Ronnie Smith, head of the Corporate Banking Group, is set to retire. Smith is departing with a legacy of integrity and innovation, the Birmingham-based financial institution says. Brian Willman, the current head of Commercial Banking, will step into Smith’s role.
Chairman, President, and CEO of Regions Financial Corp, John Turner, lauded Smith and shared confidence in the high-level transition.
“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 Turner. “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.”
Willman will report directly to Turner. He joined the bank in 2009 as a community banking executive serving Georgia and South Carolina. He was later promoted 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.
“Regions distinguishes itself in the marketplace through the quality of our bankers and our collaborative, team-based approach toward serving a wide range of businesses and industries,” said Willman. “Our team’s experience and expertise, combined with a dedicated focus on helping our clients achieve their strategic goals, define our measure of success.”
Willman also spoke about how much Smith contributed to leading the company forward.
“Ronnie Smith has championed collaboration and innovation throughout his career with the bank, and we will strive every day to build on the legacy of service he has instilled across the Corporate Banking Group.”
Nikki Stephenson, head of Credit Products for Regions, will be taking over Willman’s position.
“Our customer-centric approach enables Regions to serve as a steady, trusted source of quality financial guidance and customized insights,” Stephenson said. “Clients recognize they are getting more value as we deliver a broad range of experience, coupled with consistent innovations that make banking more convenient and more intuitive. Our teams are working hand-in-hand with customers to meet complex financial needs today, while helping position those clients for even greater success tomorrow.”
Smith is grateful for the people that he worked with during his time at Regions and its predecessor banks. He also said that he believes Willman and Stephenson will excel at their new jobs.
“While both the industry and the logos on my business card have changed throughout my career, it’s what hasn’t changed that I will miss most – the people I’ve been privileged to work with. Throughout my career, the quality of people I’ve been blessed to work alongside hasn’t changed.”
“Knowing I have been part of a team with a shared purpose and a commitment to raising the bar and achieving excellence means the most to me.”
Smith previously held multiple leadership roles in the company before being named head of Regions’ Corporate Banking Group in 2018.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
