George Makris Jr.
Simmons Tops Wall Street Forecasts With 62% Jump in Q4 Profit
Results were lifted by sharply lower interest expense and rising interest income. read more >
The Great Reset: Arkansas’ Leadership Shakeups and the Stories That Defined 2025
Has any recent year reshaped Arkansas’ business and policy landscape this dramatically? read more >
Simmons Reports $563M Q3 Loss After Bonds Sale
The bank also issued 18.65 million shares of common stock, raising capital to reposition its balance sheet. read more >
George Makris Jr. Recalls Mistaken Billionaire Mix-Up
During Simmons Bank’s acquisition spree, a potential deal with an out-of-state bank never came to fruition. read more >
Jay Brogdon to Lead Simmons Bank Into Next Era of Growth
While George Makris Jr. built Simmons into a six-state banking force through acquisitions and splashy branding, Brogdon plans to focus on organic growth, technology and customer experience. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
![George A. Makris Jr., Simmons’ departing CEO, said he was “very proud of the fact that we were able to do this transaction.” [Karen E. Segrave]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ARBiz_George_Makris_119_opt-300x194.jpg)
Simmons Absorbs $604M Loss, Recoups With Stock Sale
Simmons First absorbed a $604 million loss on securities sales, but a stock offering and investor confidence steadied the bank’s outlook. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
Looking for a Role Model? (Editorial)
The most effective leadership is often not flashy or flamboyant, but calm and deliberate. read more >
Simmons Names Jay Brogdon Next CEO as George Makris Announces Retirement
Brogdon joined Simmons in 2021 as CFO and was named president in 2023. He previously spent more than 13 years at Stephens Inc. read more >
Simmons Reports 34% Jump in Net Income for Q2
The parent company for Simmons Bank reported second-quarter net income of $54.8 million, beating Wall Street expectations and rising 34% from a year ago. read more >
Bank OZK Reports Record Q2 Income, Expanding Branch Network
The bank offloaded some of its commercial real estate risk in the quarter by selling land it seized from a stalled mixed-use development in Chicago. read more >
Simmons’ Q1 Profit Falls 16.7% on Troubled Loans, Fraud Loss
CEO George Makris Jr. said the Pine Bluff-based lender is "carefully monitoring economic volatility." read more >
![George Makris Jr. chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corp. of Pine Bluff. [Karen E. Segrave ]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ARBiz_George_Makris_19_opt-300x194.jpg)
Simmons First National Shutters 12 Texas Branches in Strategic Consolidation Move
In 2024, Simmons First National Corp. closed 12 branches in Texas, focusing on growth in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, while shifting away from less profitable markets like San Antonio and Austin. read more >
by George Waldon -
Simmons Reports Soaring Q4 Profits, Closure of 12 Branches
Simmons reportedly closed branches in all major Texas markets and completely exited San Antonio and Austin. read more >
PGA Tour Champions Players Vote Little Rock Tournament as Favorite Event in 2024
Players said the Simmons Bank Championship at Pleasant Valley County Club featured a "top tier" buildout around the property. read more >
George Makris to Return to CEO Role at Simmons Bank
Current CEO Bob Fehlman, who has held the role since 2023, is retiring. The company also announced the hiring of a new COO. read more >
Simmons Bank Commits $1.25M to Southern Bancorp’s Minority Business Empowerment Program
The 12-week program aims to empower participants to seek funding to support their business operations, growth and scalability. read more >
NLR Whataburger Rings Up $4M Sale (Real Deals)
The 1.87-acre Whataburger development in North Little Rock was sold by CypressLandingQSR3 LLC, led by Rickey Wilson. read more >
by George Waldon -
Big Things Take Time (Lance Turner Editor’s Note)
They like to gamble now in Jefferson County. read more >
by Lance Turner -
Carving a Niche (Lance Turner Editor’s Note)
Two efforts in Arkansas, one around fintech and another around EVs, aim to fill desirable niches. read more >
Simmons Posts Record Revenue, Lower Profit in 2022
The bank reported slowing activity in its commercial loan pipeline, which it attributed to "softening prospects of economic growth." read more >
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