CINCINNATI, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- First
Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC), parent company of First Financial
Bank, N.A., is positioning itself for continued growth with the
announcement of senior leadership changes in alignment with the
company's strategic initiatives.
To accelerate execution, First Financial is reorganizing to
deepen focus on four main business lines: Commercial and Private
Banking, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate and
Commercial Finance. Additionally, the priority around Community
Development strategy and planning will be complimented with the
addition of a new leadership role in that area.
- Brad Ringwald has been
named President of Community Banking. In his new role, Brad will
oversee consumer, commercial and wealth management teams, and will
work closely with local market leadership. Brad, who has been with
First Financial since 2006, recently managed a number of the
Company's commercial lending products including asset-based,
mezzanine and cash flow services; in addition to equipment finance
and lending to quick-service restaurant franchisees.
- Paul Silva has been named
President of Investment Commercial Real Estate. Investment
Commercial Real Estate lending has provided First Financial
increasing opportunities for growth and profitability but requires
product expertise and effective risk management to execute the
business strategy. Paul's new role will further position the
Company to invest in our commercial real estate clients. Currently,
Paul serves as the Market President in Greater Cincinnati where he leads all local
commercial and consumer teams.
- Rick Dennen has been
named President of Commercial Finance and will oversee the
Company's national lending businesses: First Franchise Capital and
Oak Street Funding. First Franchise Capital provides numerous
financial solutions for quick-service restaurant franchisees, while
Oak Street Funding provides funding, lending, and servicing to
insurance agents, brokers, registered investment advisors and
certified public accountants.
- Roddell McCullough has
been named Director of Community Development. Roddell, who has been
First Financial's Director of Operations since 2010, will now be
responsible for leading First Financial's Community Development
strategy. First Financial prides itself in helping communities grow
while providing affordable and easy-to-use banking services for its
individual and small business clients.
"We feel these changes to our senior leadership better align our
teams and will allow us to more effectively execute our Premier
Business Bank strategy and business model." said Claude Davis, First Financial's Chief Executive
Officer. "Throughout our history we've adapted to the changing
industry landscape and evolving client needs and we are proud to
continue serving our clients with a comprehensive suite of products
and services, while offering the same relationship-banking approach
on which we were founded. I am confident that Brad, Paul and Rick
will build on our track record of success and will bring fresh
insight, energy and leadership to these business lines.
"Additionally, as a community bank, part of our mission is to
make the areas in which we live and work better through volunteer
service, financial support and education, as well as economic
development initiatives," Davis said. "I'm confident that Roddell
will help build upon our existing commitment and improve First
Financial's ability to make a difference."
For more information on First Financial's Give First culture,
download its latest Community Development report at
bankatfirst.com/community. Additional information about First
Financial can be found by visiting bankatfirst.com.
All roles are effective October 1,
2016.
About First Financial Bancorp
First Financial Bancorp
is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank
holding company. As of June 30, 2016,
the Company had $8.3 billion in
assets, $5.7 billion in loans,
$6.1 billion in deposits and
$846.7 million in shareholders'
equity. The Company's subsidiary, First Financial Bank, N.A.,
founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products
through its four lines of business: Retail Banking, Commercial and
Private Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate and Commercial
Finance units provide traditional banking services to business and
retail clients. First Financial Wealth Management provides wealth
planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and
retirement plan services and had approximately $2.4 billion in assets under management as of
June 30, 2016. The Company's
strategic operating markets are located in Ohio, Indiana
and Kentucky where it operates 101
banking centers. Additional information about the Company,
including its products, services and banking locations is available
at www.bankatfirst.com.
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SOURCE First Financial Bancorp