Simmons First in Arkansas names new president, CFO

Simmons First National in Pine Bluff, Ark., has tapped an insider to become its new president.

The $23 billion-asset company said in a Thursday press release that Bob Fehlman would take over the role on Monday. He will remain Simmons First’s chief operating officer.

Fehlman, a 30-year veteran of the company, had also been its chief financial officer and treasurer.

George Makris Jr. remains the company’s chairman and CEO.

Jay Brogdon will succeed Fehlman as CFO. Brogdon previously served as a managing director in the investment banking division at Stephens Inc. In his prior role, Brogdon advised banks primarily located in Simmons’s footprint in areas that included acquisitions and public offerings.

The changes “are a direct result of the success and growth we have experienced at Simmons over the past several years and reflects our need to continue to add depth and bench strength to our senior management team as we look to execute our key strategic priorities designed to grow our franchise,” Makris said in the release.

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