Arvest Bank promotes Matt Kendall to full-time CEO of mortgage division

Arvest Bank on Thursday (Sept. 2) named Matt Kendall president and CEO of the bank’s mortgage division and Arvest Central Mortgage Co. Kendal filled the role on an interim basis since February, following the resignation of Steven Plaisance.

According to a news release, Kendall has 28 years of industry experience, including serving as president and CEO of Waco Title Co.— owned by Arvest Bank Group since 2000 — and as executive director of administrative operations for Arvest’s mortgage division. Kendall is accountable for directing management teams and processes for Arvest’s mortgage division and Arvest Central Mortgage Co. in his new role.

“Matt graciously stepped in to lead on an interim basis, and we have seen great progress in a number of our key initiatives since that time,” Matt Machen, regional executive for enhanced banking services at Arvest, said in a statement. “We are confident that under his continued leadership, we will maintain the positive momentum his team has created and position ourselves for future success.”

Arvest’s mortgage division is on pace to originate more than $3 billion in mortgages for the second consecutive year and currently services more than 77,000 loans for $10-plus billion. Arvest Central Mortgage Co. services and subservices $56-plus billion in mortgages for more than 270,000 customers.

Kendall earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business, emphasizing accounting, at Hendrix College. He is a board member for the Teen Action Support Center and JMC Innovation Scholars. He is a past president of the Open Avenues Foundation board of directors, among other civic endeavors.