Fifth Third Bank Announces Major Executive Overhaul, Names New Legal Chief

Fifth Third Announces Leadership Changes

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06/25/2025 - 04:15 PM

Bank strengthens leadership team with key internal promotions, appoints new chief legal officer

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ: FITB) today announced several executive leadership changes, reflecting the Bank’s continued focus on growth, innovation and talent development.

Susan Zaunbrecher, who has led Fifth Third’s Legal, Government Affairs and Regulatory Affairs departments and the Office of the Corporate Secretary since 2018, will retire. Christian Gonzalez will join Fifth Third as executive vice president, chief legal officer, to succeed her, effective July 7. Gonzalez will join Fifth Third’s Enterprise management team, the Bank’s senior-most governing body.

Gonzalez brings extensive experience across corporate, banking, and securities law, as well as mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, capital markets, regulatory compliance and corporate governance. He joins Fifth Third after 15 years at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, where he most recently served as an executive board member and corporate department chair.

“Susan’s foresight, judgment and commitment to excellence have made us a stronger and more resilient company,” said Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third. “I’m also thrilled to welcome Christian to Fifth Third. His deep legal expertise and proven track record advising institutions of all sizes, from community banks to multibillion-dollar organizations, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and navigate an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.”

Kevin Lavender, currently head of the Commercial Bank, will become vice chair of the Commercial Bank. Kevin Khanna, currently head of corporate & investment banking, will become head of the Commercial Bank. Lavender will remain as a member of the Enterprise team, and Khanna and Bridgit Chayt, head of commercial payments, will join it.

"These appointments demonstrate the deep bench of talent across our Commercial Banking organization,” said Spence. “Under Kevin Lavender’s leadership, we have continued to expand our reach and delivery of a broad array of innovative client solutions. Kevin Khanna and Bridgit Chayt have been key leaders at Fifth Third for many years now, and their impact, guided by Kevin Lavender’s direction and mentorship, will shape the future of how we serve our clients and drive sustainable growth for our shareholders.”

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB." Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com.