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Simmons First National Corporation Announces CEO Retirement and Leadership Transition
PINE BLUFF, Ark., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) (Simmons or Company) today announced that George Makris, Jr.
About this update from Simmons First National Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"PINE BLUFF, Ark., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) (Simmons or Company) today announced that George Makris, Jr. has decided to retire as Chairman and CEO of the Company and Simmons Bank at the end of 2025. Jay Brogdon, who currently serves as President of the Company and Simmons Bank, will assume the additional role of CEO and join the boards of directors effective January 1, 2026. Marty Casteel, former Chairman, CEO, and President of Simmons Bank and a current director of the Company and Simmons Bank, will become Chairman of both entities effective January 1, 2026.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\"We are very thankful to George for his decade-plus tenure as CEO, overseeing the Company's geographic transformation that led to a period of unprecedented growth, often during complex and challenging environments,\" said Steve Cosse, lead independent director of Simmons First National Corporation. \"Under George's leadership, the Board has taken a deliberate and measured approach to succession planning. As a result, Simmons has developed a talented executive leadership team with a long runway.\"\n\"It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman and CEO of Simmons, and I am grateful for the support of the Board and all our associates,\" said Makris. \"Together, we have worked to build a regional bank people value and trust, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. The Board and I are confident the time is right for this transition, and Jay is well-prepared to succeed in his new role. Marty has been a trusted colleague for many years and is eminently qualified to serve as independent Chairman. I look forward to seeing continued progress toward building shareholder value through the achievement of our ambitious strategic objectives.\"\nBrogdon has served as President since January 2023, overseeing all revenue lines, finance, operations, information technology and corporate strategy. Prior to joining Simmons in 2021 as Chief Financial Officer, Brogdon worked at Stephens Inc. for over 13 years where he served as managing director in the investment banking division. Prior to Stephens, he served four years at Deloitte.\n\"I am honored to lead Simmons and humbled to follow in the footsteps of George, Tommy May and the many incredible leaders who came before me,\" said Brogdon. \"One of tho...