Republic Bank Strengthens Leadership: Adds KFC, Walmart Veterans as Top Executives

Republic Bank Announces Additions to Corporate Leadership Team

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02/05/2025 - 08:30 AM

New Chief People Officer and Chief Marketing Officer promise to bring vision and help position the region’s leading financial institution for success in 2025 and beyond

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Republic Bank & Trust Company ("Republic" or “the Bank") is proud to introduce two new members to the corporate leadership team. Cheryl VanAllen serves as Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief People Officer, and Courtney Eder takes on responsibilities as Senior Vice President (SVP), Chief Marketing Officer.

Cheryl VanAllen, Chief People Officer - Republic Bank & Trust Company (Photo: Business Wire)

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cheryl and Courtney to the Republic family,” Republic Bank President and CEO Logan Pichel said. “Both bring incredible skill and invaluable experience to their new roles, and we’re proud to have them join our corporate team. Their focus on clients, associates and the community strongly align with the Bank’s values.”

VanAllen joins Republic from KFC US, where she most recently led talent strategy and people analytics. Prior to that, VanAllen held roles overseeing talent acquisition, organizational development, learning and development and a variety of other human resources roles and assignments at Yum! Brands and UPS. Her passion for people and culture is apparent in her approach to leading teams towards innovative and collaborative solutions that drive organizations forward, linking talent and business strategies together.

“Republic Bank has a distinct culture and passion for the people we serve, both internally and our clients. I’m thrilled to join such an involved leadership team and focus on expanding the Bank’s unique talent,” VanAllen said.

VanAllen’s appointment comes as Republic’s current EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer Margaret Wendler is retiring after 29 years with the Bank. She is working with VanAllen to ensure continuity during the transition phase.

“Cheryl is a people-first professional who brings years of experience at large, multi-national organizations to Republic Bank. We’re eager to get her more involved with our talent operations and be the leader of our renowned workplace culture,” Wendler said.

Eder, a strategic, customer-centered marketing leader, joins Republic after her marketing, customer experience and innovation contributions at Walmart, which began in 2011. She launched new brands in apparel, led marketing, customer experience and store innovation initiatives for Pickup and Delivery, and ultimately led brand and benefits marketing for Walmart+, Walmart’s membership program.

“Republic Bank and the Louisville community have been incredibly welcoming to me and to my family. I’m eager to continue transitioning into my new role, bringing a new perspective to the Bank’s marketing strategy,” Eder said.

Eder will lead Republic Bank marketing, taking over for current SVP, Chief Brand Officer Jim Ensign, who will serve in an advisory role throughout Eder’s transition and for special Bank projects prior to his retirement later in 2025.

“Courtney’s already bringing new ideas to the table and will be a tremendous asset for Republic Bank as the company continues to build on its ongoing success,” Ensign said.

About Republic Bank

Republic Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (the “Bank”). The Bank currently has 47 banking centers in communities within five metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) across five states: 22 banking centers located within the Louisville MSA in Louisville, Prospect, Shelbyville, and Shepherdsville in Kentucky, and Floyds Knobs, Jeffersonville, and New Albany in Indiana; six banking centers within the Lexington MSA in Georgetown and Lexington in Kentucky; eight banking centers within the Cincinnati MSA in Cincinnati and West Chester in Ohio, and Bellevue, Covington, Crestview Hills, and Florence in Kentucky; seven banking centers within the Tampa MSA in Largo, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Seminole, and Tampa in Florida; and four banking centers within the Nashville MSA in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Spring Hill, Tennessee. In addition, Republic Bank Finance has one loan production office in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bank offers internet banking at www.republicbank.com. The Company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and as of December 31, 2024, had approximately $6.8 billion in assets. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is listed under the symbol “RBCAA” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.