Simmons First National announces retirement of CEO and succession plan

Simmons First National (SFNC) 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. 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 CFO, Brogdon worked at Stephens for over 13 years where he served as managing director in the investment banking division. Prior to Stephens, he served four years at Deloitte.