Justin Rutledge Joins First Horizon Bank as Charlotte Market President

Rhea-AI Summary

First Horizon (NYSE: FHN) announced that Justin Rutledge will join the bank as Charlotte Market President, reporting to Laura Bunn, Mid-Atlantic Regional President. Rutledge will lead market strategy and execution in Charlotte with emphasis on client growth, associate engagement and community service. He brings more than 20 years of banking experience, including prior roles at BB&T and Truist where he served as Charlotte Market President and as Market President for Fort Worth, TX.

Rutledge is an Appalachian State University graduate and serves on boards for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Novant Southern Piedmont Region.

Key Figures

Industry experience more than 20 years Justin Rutledge’s banking career length

Market Reality Check

$23.73 Last Close

Volume Volume 5,796,565 is at 1.01x the 20-day average of 5,715,885 shares. normal

Technical Trading above 200-day MA (23.73 vs 20.84), near the 52-week high of 24.11.

Peers on Argus

FHN was up 0.59% while key regional bank peers like BSAC, SSB, WBS, WF, and EWBC showed declines between -0.09% and -1.45%, indicating stock-specific factors rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 11	Employer award	Positive	+0.4%	Forbes Best-in-State Employer recognition for Tennessee workforce practices.
Dec 11	Diversity award	Positive	+0.4%	Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Women 2025 list.
Dec 08	Leadership change	Positive	+0.2%	Promotion of Todd Warrick as Triangle Market President in Mid-Atlantic.
Nov 24	Conference participation	Positive	+3.3%	CEO and CFO participation in Goldman Sachs 2025 Financial Services Conference.
Nov 19	Corporate ranking	Positive	-0.1%	Named to Forbes America’s Best Companies 2026 list with broad performance metrics.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive corporate reputation and leadership news often saw modestly positive price reactions, with only occasional divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the past month, First Horizon highlighted multiple reputation and leadership milestones. Recognition by Forbes as a Best-In-State Employer and as one of America’s Best Employers for Women coincided with modest gains of 0.38%. Participation in a major Goldman Sachs financial services conference saw a stronger 3.32% move. Leadership appointments, including a Triangle Market President, also aligned with small positive reactions. Today’s Charlotte Market President announcement fits this pattern of strategic regional leadership focus and brand-strengthening updates.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights First Horizon’s continued build-out of regional leadership, naming a Charlotte Market President with more than 20 years of banking experience. Recent news flow has emphasized employer awards, conference participation, and other market president appointments across the Mid-Atlantic. Investors may track how this hire affects client growth, community engagement, and competitive positioning in Charlotte, alongside upcoming disclosures such as future earnings and additional leadership or market updates.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Horizon Bank (NYSE: FHN or "First Horizon") announced today that Justin Rutledge will join the bank as Charlotte Market President. He will report to Laura Bunn, Mid-Atlantic Regional President for First Horizon Bank, and will lead market strategy and execution in Charlotte with a focus on client growth, associate engagement and community service.

"Justin's extensive industry experience and proven track record of developing long-standing client relationships makes him a great fit for this role," said Laura Bunn, Mid-Atlantic Regional President for First Horizon. "Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing to expand our presence and grow our client base in Charlotte by delivering a high-touch, value-based client experience."

Rutledge brings more than 20 years of banking experience to First Horizon, beginning his career at BB&T as a Management Associate and most recently serving as the Charlotte Market President for Truist. Over the course of his career, he has held roles in Mortgage, Commercial Banking, Middle Market and previously served as BB&T/Truist Market President for the Fort Worth, TX market, leading this expansion market for the bank.

"I am honored to join First Horizon and serve clients across the Queen City," said Justin Rutledge, Charlotte Market President for First Horizon. "We will combine local relationships with technology and specialist expertise to support client and business growth. I also look forward to partnering with our associates and community leaders to deliver meaningful impact across the Charlotte community."

Originally from Winston-Salem, Rutledge is a graduate of Appalachian State University and is actively engaged in the community, serving on the board of directors for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Novant Southern Piedmont Region.

About First Horizon

First Horizon Corporation (NYSE: FHN), with $83.2 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states concentrated in the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.

 

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SOURCE First Horizon Bank

FAQ

Who is Justin Rutledge and what role will he have at First Horizon (FHN)?

Justin Rutledge will join First Horizon as Charlotte Market President, leading market strategy and execution in Charlotte.

When did First Horizon announce Justin Rutledge's appointment as Charlotte Market President (FHN)?

The appointment was announced on December 16, 2025 (press date listed Dec. 15, 2025).

To whom will Justin Rutledge report at First Horizon (FHN)?

Rutledge will report to Laura Bunn, Mid-Atlantic Regional President for First Horizon Bank.

What experience does Justin Rutledge bring to First Horizon (FHN)?

He has more than 20 years of banking experience with roles in mortgage, commercial banking, middle market and prior market president positions at BB&T and Truist.

How will Justin Rutledge focus his work as Charlotte Market President for First Horizon (FHN)?

He will focus on client growth, associate engagement and community service while combining local relationships with technology and specialist expertise.