David Kennedy Joins Simmons Bank as Chief Technology Officer

David Kennedy (Photo provided by Simmons Bank)

Simmons Bank of Pine Bluff on Tuesday announced the hiring of David Kennedy as executive vice president and chief technology officer.

Kennedy will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of technology capabilities to all areas of the bank. He will also play a “crucial” role in Simmons’ technical strategy, including innovation, infrastructure, cost reduction and collaboration to “ensure that the technology efforts align with business success,” the bank said in a news release.

Prior to joining Simmons Bank, Kennedy was executive vice president and chief information officer at a Trustmark Bank of Jackson, Mississippi, for more than six years, according to his LinkedIn page. Before then, he was chief technology officer for oil and gas exploration and production company Stone Energy Corp. of Lafayette, Louisiana

Simmons Bank has invested heavily in technology over the past eight years. Part of that effort has been aimed at attracting younger customers through new mobile banking tools, improved banking apps and adjusted marketing. The bank also launched instant access to mobile deposits, eliminating the traditional waiting period, which can take up to three business days.

“David Kennedy joins us with a strong reputation for leading complex technology organizations and delivering impactful change,” Ann Madea, executive vice president and chief information office, said in the release. “As we accelerate our technology strategy and enhance the resilience and scalability of our platforms, David’s deep understanding and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of our transformation.”

Kennedy holds a bachelor’s in computer science from Mississippi State University. He also completed educational programs at The Pacific Institute, Harvard Business School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

He serves as vice president of the board for Old Mountain Arboretum in Winona, Mississippi, and is a former board member for Acadiana Animal Aid, animal welfare organization in Carencro, Louisiana.