Simmons First National Corporation Announces CEO Retirement and Leadership Transition

Rhea-AI Summary

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) announced that Chairman and CEO George Makris, Jr. will retire at the end of 2025. Current President Jay Brogdon will assume the CEO role and join the boards of directors effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, Marty Casteel, former Chairman, CEO, and President of Simmons Bank and current director, will become Chairman of both the Company and Simmons Bank.

Under Makris's decade-plus leadership, Simmons underwent significant geographic expansion and growth. Brogdon, who has served as President since January 2023, currently oversees revenue lines, finance, operations, IT, and corporate strategy. He joined Simmons in 2021 as CFO after 13 years at Stephens Inc. and four years at Deloitte.

Positive

• Smooth leadership transition with experienced internal candidate Jay Brogdon
• Demonstrated stability with 116 consecutive years of cash dividends
• Strong recent recognition including America's Best Regional Banks 2025 by Newsweek

Negative

• Loss of experienced CEO who led company through period of significant growth
• Potential strategic direction changes under new leadership

PINE BLUFF, Ark., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) (Simmons or Company) today announced that George Makris, Jr. has decided to retire as Chairman and CEO of the Company and Simmons Bank at the end of 2025. Jay Brogdon, who currently serves as President of the Company and Simmons Bank, will assume the additional role of CEO and join the boards of directors effective January 1, 2026. Marty Casteel, former Chairman, CEO, and President of Simmons Bank and a current director of the Company and Simmons Bank, will become Chairman of both entities effective January 1, 2026.

"We are very thankful to George for his decade-plus tenure as CEO, overseeing the Company's geographic transformation that led to a period of unprecedented growth, often during complex and challenging environments," said Steve Cosse, lead independent director of Simmons First National Corporation. "Under George's leadership, the Board has taken a deliberate and measured approach to succession planning. As a result, Simmons has developed a talented executive leadership team with a long runway."

"It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman and CEO of Simmons, and I am grateful for the support of the Board and all our associates," said Makris. "Together, we have worked to build a regional bank people value and trust, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. The Board and I are confident the time is right for this transition, and Jay is well-prepared to succeed in his new role. Marty has been a trusted colleague for many years and is eminently qualified to serve as independent Chairman. I look forward to seeing continued progress toward building shareholder value through the achievement of our ambitious strategic objectives."

Brogdon has served as President since January 2023, overseeing all revenue lines, finance, operations, information technology and corporate strategy. Prior to joining Simmons in 2021 as Chief Financial Officer, Brogdon worked at Stephens Inc. for over 13 years where he served as managing director in the investment banking division. Prior to Stephens, he served four years at Deloitte.

"I am honored to lead Simmons and humbled to follow in the footsteps of George, Tommy May and the many incredible leaders who came before me," said Brogdon. "One of those leaders is Marty, who is well-respected throughout our industry. I look forward to working with him given the wealth of knowledge and expertise he brings from his 30-plus year career in banking.

"Simmons is committed to building value for our customers, communities, and shareholders, and our team does this with great integrity and passion. We will continue to build upon our longstanding culture and are excited about the opportunities ahead."

Simmons First National Corporation

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) is a Mid-South based financial holding company that has paid cash dividends to its shareholders for 116 consecutive years. Its principal subsidiary, Simmons Bank, operates more than 220 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Founded in 1903, Simmons Bank offers comprehensive financial solutions delivered with a client-centric approach. Recently, Simmons Bank was recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces 2025 in Arkansas. In 2024, Simmons Bank was recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Regional Banks 2025, by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 2024-2025 Best Companies to Work For in the South and by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Banks 2024 in Tennessee and America's Best-In-State Employers 2024 in Missouri. Additional information about Simmons Bank can be found on our website at simmonsbank.com, by following @Simmons_Bank on X (formerly Twitter) or by visiting our newsroom.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simmons-first-national-corporation-announces-ceo-retirement-and-leadership-transition-302520321.html

SOURCE Simmons First National Corporation

FAQ

When is George Makris Jr. retiring as CEO of Simmons First National (SFNC)?

George Makris Jr. will retire as Chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corporation at the end of 2025.

Who will be the new CEO of Simmons First National (SFNC)?

Jay Brogdon, current President of Simmons, will become CEO effective January 1, 2026.

What is Jay Brogdon's background at Simmons First National (SFNC)?

Jay Brogdon has served as President since January 2023, joined as CFO in 2021, and previously worked at Stephens Inc. for 13 years as managing director in investment banking.

Who will be the new Chairman of Simmons First National (SFNC)?

Marty Casteel, former Chairman, CEO, and President of Simmons Bank and current director, will become Chairman effective January 1, 2026.

What are George Makris Jr.'s major achievements as CEO of SFNC?

Under Makris's leadership, Simmons underwent significant geographic transformation and unprecedented growth during his decade-plus tenure as CEO.