Simmons Bank announces promotions, new hires

Pine Bluff-based Simmons Bank announced several promotions and key new hires in its central Arkansas and statewide operations.

Matt Reddin was named executive vice president and chief banking officer; Paul Lowe has been hired as the new Central Arkansas market president; Chris White was named Arkansas regional community president; and Lisa Montejo Chrzanowski has been hired as director of C&I (commercial and industrial loan) banking.

Reddin, who most recently served as Simmons Bank’s president of banking enterprise, has been named chief banking officer. The promotion, which places Reddin at the helm of nearly all of the bank’s revenue-generating business units, caps 18 years of industry experience and nearly five years at Simmons.

“Matt’s natural leadership and penchant for creative solutions have strongly complemented Simmons’ growth trajectory,” said Marty Casteel, Simmons Bank chairman and CEO. “We’re confident that his skills will be leveraged to even greater effect with this enhanced role.”

White, who has seen Simmons grow from $2.4 billion in assets to its current size of $17.9 billion since joining the bank in 2004, has been promoted to Arkansas regional president.

Prior to this promotion, White served in a variety of roles across Simmons’ home state, most recently as central Arkansas community president. In this role, he oversaw and developed Simmons’ presence in the Little Rock area. White will now lead Simmons’ 11 Arkansas community presidents with a focus on strategy, business development, and loan and deposit growth.

Stepping into the role vacated by White, Lowe has joined the bank as central Arkansas market president.

In this position, Lowe will oversee Simmons’ highest-ranking market by branch locations, working with customers and associates to drive a client-focused delivery of Simmons’ full suite of banking products.

Lowe joins Simmons from Arvest Bank, where he served as executive director of corporate and commercial banking. Prior to his time at Arvest, Lowe served as Bear State Bank’s corporate banking division president.

As Simmons’ director of C&I banking, Chrzanowski will spearhead Simmons’ C&I loan banking strategy, focusing on expanding options for Simmons’ business and commercial clients.

Bringing more than 20 years of industry experience, Chrzanowski joins Simmons from Bank of America, where she most recently served as senior credit products officer and senior vice president.