Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) (Simmons or Company) announced on November 12 that Robert “Bob” Fehlman, the chief executive officer of the Company and its subsidiary, Simmons Bank, has chosen to retire to focus on personal interests and family medical issues. Fehlman will serve in his current role through the end of 2024, and will then transition into an advisory role in the first quarter of 2025. George Makris, Jr., the company’s current executive chairman, will then assume the role of chairman and chief executive officer of the Company and Simmons Bank on January 1, 2025. Makris served previously as chairman and chief executive officer from 2014 through 2022.
Makris was quoted as saying: “I want to express my deep appreciation to Bob for his decades of service to our organization.”
He then added: “Bob has been a tremendous asset to the bank for many years, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. Bob has played a significant role in the expansion of the bank and has been a leader of our better bank initiative as CEO.”
Fehlman’s Career Background
Fehlman began his career with Simmons in 1988, where he served in a variety of leadership roles that included controller, chief financial officer, treasurer, chief operating officer, president, and most recently, chief executive officer.
Fehlman said that he has been “honored and blessed to work at Simmons for over 36 years.”
“I am proud of what we have achieved over the years, and it has only been possible because of the talent, dedication, and commitment of our people who embody the Simmons culture,” he went on to say. “I want to thank the Board and associates for their partnership and support over the years and wish them the very best for continued success. We have a strong foundation in place and positive momentum to build upon and I have great confidence in Simmons’ future.”
Van Steenberg Steps In
Simmons First National also announced that veteran banker Christopher “Chris” Van Steenberg has joined Simmons as their Chief Operating Officer (COO). Chris will report to Simmons’ president, Jay Brogdon.
Brogdon said: “We are thrilled to have Chris join the Simmons team as COO. He brings a proven track record in leading retail banking and commercial treasury management teams, while at the same time implementing ongoing strategies designed to enhance the customer experience and drive operational efficiencies. We’re excited to see the impact Chris will have on furthering our better bank initiative, while also supporting our efforts to drive sound, profitable growth and positive operating leverage.”
Van Steenberg brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and has a long, successful track record of strategy execution. He served most recently as executive vice president and Chief Digital and Product Officer for a Mid-South bank with more than $80 billion in combined assets. In his role there, he was responsible for all aspects of the bank’s treasury management, as well as consumer and small business digital, consumer and small business product management, contact center banking, product and portfolio strategy, and risk and fraud prevention. Before this role, he served as the executive vice president and head of Regional Banking Strategy and Delivery where he led engagements with business partners to deliver strategic objectives.
Steenberg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing management from the University of Alabama, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from the Manchester Business School in Manchester, England. He also completed studies at the Royal Bank of Scotland Business School through the Wharton School, the Entrepreneurial Leadership & Influence program at Babson College, and the Consumer Bankers Association Graduate School of Retail Bank Management.
