Pinnacle and Synovus Announce Merger Leadership Team

Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp. have announced an executive leadership team for their upcoming merger, set to close in Q1 2026. The team will be led by President and CEO Kevin Blair, with key executives including Rob McCabe, Jamie Gregory, Zack Bishop, Shellie Creson, and Allan Kamensky. The merger aims to combine Pinnacle's high-growth banking model with Synovus' investments in technology and scale.

Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp. have named the executive leadership team for their upcoming merger, set to close in the first quarter of 2026. The combined company will be led by President and CEO Kevin Blair, who will be supported by a team of experienced leaders drawn from both institutions.

The executive leadership team includes Rob McCabe as Chief Banking Officer, Jamie Gregory as Chief Financial Officer, and Zack Bishop as Chief Operating Officer. Other key executives include Shellie Creson as Chief Risk Officer, and Allan Kamensky as Chief Legal Officer. The team will oversee the company’s critical corporate functions, driving growth, technology innovation, and client services [1].

Upon closing, Pinnacle President and CEO Terry Turner will become non-executive chairman of the board, with McCabe serving as vice chairman. This arrangement ensures a smooth transition and maintains a deep connection to Pinnacle’s founding and its highly regarded banking model [2].

Both firms have established Integration Management Office teams to coordinate decisions and align priorities. Jennifer Upshaw and Rick Arthur will lead these efforts for Synovus and Pinnacle, respectively, engaging teams from across both organizations to identify and execute top integration planning priorities [3].

The merger aims to combine Pinnacle’s proven high-growth banking model with Synovus’ strategic investments in technology and scale, leveraging the strengths of both organizations’ engaged talent and loyal client bases. This combination is expected to create a strong foundation for exceptional performance and enduring success [1].

The transaction remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, as well as customary closing conditions.

References:
[1] https://www.abladvisor.com/news/41348/pinnacle-financial-partners-synovus-announce-executive-leadership-team-for-combi
[2] https://equipmentfinancenews.com/news/lender-operations/pinnacle-synovus-announce-leadership-team-ahead-of-2026-merger/
[3] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250821754048/en/Pinnacle-Financial-Partners-and-Synovus-Announce-Executive-Leadership-Team-for-Combined-Company