Simmons First makes several top management changes

Simmons First National Corp. announced a series of organizational management changes following the announced future retirement of David Bartlett, president of the bank holding company, in January.

“David has played a key role in structuring Simmons Bank for continued growth and success,” said George Makris, the Simmons First National Corp. chairman and CEO. “He led the transition from an eight-bank holding company to our current organization. We’ll soon be a one-bank holding company approaching $8 billion in assets. David will be missed.”

Bartlett, the president of Simmons First National Corp. and the chief banking officer for Simmons Bank, has held leadership positions with major banks in Texas and Arkansas. He was a founder and the chief executive officer of Alliance Bank of Hot Springs, which merged with Simmons in 2004. Bartlett was chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association in 2013-14.

“We wish David and his wife Nancy safe travels and much fun as they enjoy their grandchildren in retirement,” said Marty Casteel, the Simmons Bank CEO. “In addition to David’s contributions to our growth, he also introduced many best practices to our organization. David has been a leader in the banking industry and in the communities where he has lived. He has truly represented Simmons well in every aspect of leadership.”

The following changes also were announced Monday:
• Barry Ledbetter, the chair for the Central/Northeast Arkansas region for Simmons Bank, will assume the duties of chief banking officer. Ledbetter has been with Simmons for three decades. He previously served as chief executive officer of Simmons Bank of Northeast Arkansas.

• Matt Reddin will assume the duties of chief lending officer, a new position for Simmons Bank. Reddin will work to develop community bank lending teams. He also will have a leadership role in the bank’s loan approval structure.

• Adam Mitchell will assume the duties of chief retail officer, a new position for Simmons Bank. Mitchell will work to ensure the efficient delivery of products and services through the Simmons retail branch network.

• Freddie Black, the chair for the South Arkansas region for Simmons Bank, will assume the duties of regional chair for the state of Arkansas. Simmons will consolidate the three existing Arkansas regions – Central/Northeast Arkansas, South Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas – into one region.

• James Stobaugh will continue to lead the northwest Arkansas operations for Simmons and will report to Black.