First Financial Bankshares, Inc., First Financial Bank Announce Promotion of David Bailey to CEO

Rhea-AI Summary

First Financial Bankshares (NASDAQ: FFIN) promoted David Bailey to Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Bankshares and First Financial Bank, with F. Scott Dueser remaining as Executive Chairman under a transition and retirement agreement through the 2028 Annual Meeting.

Bailey has over 22 years at the company and previously served as President of the Eastland Division, Executive VP Head of Commercial Banking, and Chief Banking Officer; the announcement emphasizes internal succession and continuity.

Positive

• Internal succession: David Bailey promoted after 22 years with the company
• Leadership continuity: Executive Chairman F. Scott Dueser to remain through the 2028 Annual Meeting
• Operational experience: Bailey has overseen lending and treasury management as Chief Banking Officer

Negative

• No effective date disclosed: the announcement does not specify when Bailey's CEO role becomes effective

News Market Reaction – FFIN

+1.37%

1 alert

+1.37% News Effect

On the day this news was published, FFIN gained 1.37%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

ABILENE, Texas, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boards of Directors of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. ("First Financial") (NASDAQ: FFIN), and First Financial Bank (the "Bank" and together with First Financial, the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") has announced the promotion of David Bailey to CEO of both entities. The position was previously held by F. Scott Dueser, who will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Boards.

"The First Financial board of directors and I are pleased to announce the promotion of David Bailey, who will now serve as President and CEO of First Financial Bankshares and First Financial Bank," said F. Scott Dueser, Executive Chairman of the Board. "David has been with the Company for over 22 years and is extremely qualified to lead the Company with his deep knowledge of the industry, his commitment for Excellence and Customer Service, history of rising through the ranks from a teller's position to President and now CEO, his vision to grow the Company well into the future, and his commitment to make sure the Company continues to be one of the top rated banks in the country. I have committed through a transition and retirement agreement to stay on as Executive Chairman through the 2028 Annual Meeting. This will allow David and me to continue to work together for a smooth transition in accordance with the Company's ongoing management succession plan."

David Bailey started as a teller at the Bank and in recognition of his excellence and commitment to the Company progressed steadily to become President and CEO of the Eastland Division and later, Executive Vice President, Head of Commercial Banking for the Company and then Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer, where he oversaw all lending and treasury management functions, while also serving as Co-Chair of the Service Improvement Team.

He is a graduate of McMurry University, FFIN University, and Southwest Graduate School of Banking at SMU. David presently serves as First Vice Chair of the board of trustees for McMurry University, Secretary/Treasurer of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board Member of the Hendrick Medical Center Foundation, and Chair Elect of the Board of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. Previously, he served on multiple boards in Eastland County and has actively served his church in numerous volunteer positions.

About First Financial Bank

First Financial Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIN). Headquartered in Abilene, Texas, First Financial Bankshares, Inc. is a financial holding company that through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, operates multiple banking regions with 79 locations in Texas, including Abilene, Acton, Albany, Aledo, Alvarado, Beaumont, Boyd, Bridgeport, Brock, Bryan, Burleson, College Station, Cisco, Cleburne, Clyde, Conroe, Cut and Shoot, Decatur, Eastland, El Campo, Fort Worth, Franklin, Fulshear, Glen Rose, Granbury, Grapevine, Hereford, Huntsville, Keller, Kingwood, Magnolia, Mauriceville, Merkel, Midlothian, Mineral Wells, Montgomery, Moran, New Waverly, Newton, Odessa, Orange, Palacios, Port Arthur, Ranger, Rising Star, Roby, San Angelo, Southlake, Stephenville, Sweetwater, Tomball, Trent, Trophy Club, Vidor, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Willis, and Willow Park. The Company also operates First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, with nine locations, and First Technology Services, Inc., a technology operating company.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-financial-bankshares-inc-first-financial-bank-announce-promotion-of-david-bailey-to-ceo-302672963.html

SOURCE First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) announced January 28, 2026?

David Bailey is the new CEO of First Financial Bankshares and First Financial Bank. According to the company, Bailey has over 22 years with the organization and rose from teller to senior executive roles.

Will F. Scott Dueser remain with First Financial after the January 28, 2026 leadership change?

Yes. F. Scott Dueser will remain Executive Chairman through the 2028 Annual Meeting. According to the company, this follows a transition and retirement agreement to enable a smooth succession.

What roles did David Bailey hold before being named CEO of First Financial (FFIN)?

Bailey served as President of the Eastland Division, Executive VP Head of Commercial Banking, and Chief Banking Officer. According to the company, he also oversaw lending and treasury management functions.

Does the January 28, 2026 announcement state an effective date for David Bailey's CEO role at FFIN?

No. The announcement does not specify an effective date for Bailey's appointment as CEO. According to the company, the promotion and transition will proceed under the announced succession plan.

What governance or continuity steps did First Financial (FFIN) describe with the CEO promotion?

The company said the promotion aligns with its management succession plan and includes a transition agreement. According to the company, Dueser will stay as Executive Chairman to support a smooth handover through 2028.