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Simmons in Arkansas to have new CEO in 2026

Simmons First National in Pine Bluff, Ark., will have a new leader next year.

The company said in a press release that George Makris Jr. will retire on Dec. 31. Jay Brogdon, the company’s president, will become CEO and join the board on Jan. 1.

Marty Casteel, a former chairman, CEO, and president of Simmons Bank, will become chairman on Jan. 1.

“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,” Steve Cosse, Simmons’ lead independent director, said in the release. “Under George’s leadership, the board has taken a deliberate and measured approach to succession planning.”

Brogdon became president in January 2023.

Simmons recently sold underperforming securities at $604 million net loss.

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