George Makris Jr.
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 >
George Makris Jr. Named to St. Louis Fed Advisory Council
Members confer at least four times per year with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., on economic and banking developments, and make recommendations on Federal Reserve System activities. read more >
Bob Fehlman Named Next CEO of Simmons Bank
Current CEO George Makris Jr. will shift to a role as full-time chairman in the new year. read more >
Simmons Reports Higher Revenue, Flat Income in Q3
Earnings per share fell to 63 cents but still surpassed Wall Street expectations. read more >
Simmons First Profit Dips 3% in Q1
CEO George Makris Jr. said results in the quarter were "solid." He pointed to accelerating loan growth. read more >
Simmons Promotes Rodney Hawkins to Chief Audit Executive
He succeeds Johnny McCaleb, who is moving to an advisory role before his retirement. read more >
Update: Simmons First to Buy 2 Banks, Expand Tennessee Footprint
Simmons First National Corp. of Pine Bluff announces that it will buy two Memphis-area bank companies in separate deals worth a combined $277.9 million. read more >
Rodney Hawkins Named EVP, Audit Exec at Simmons Bank
Rodney Hawkins has been named executive vice president and audit executive of Simmons Bank. read more >
Julie Stackhouse Named to Simmons Bank’s Board
Julie Stackhouse has been added to the board of directors for Simmons Bank of Pine Bluff. read more >
Q4 Net Income Up Slightly at Simmons First
Simmons First National Corp. of Pine Bluff says fourth-quarter net income was $53 million, up 0.5% from $52.7 million in the same quarter last year. read more >
Illinois Credit Union to Buy 4 Simmons Bank Branches
Citizens Equity First Credit Union of Peoria, Illinois, will buy four branches in southern Illinois from Simmons Bank of Pine Bluff. read more >
Simmons First 3Q Earnings Down 19% But Beat Expectations
Simmons First National Corp. of Pine Bluff reports third-quarter earnings of $65.9 million, down 19% from the same quarter last year. read more >