Bank OZK Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bank OZK has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, administration, communications, regional management, and commercial banking.

Driven by a commitment to financial excellence, Bank OZK provides diverse retail and commercial banking services, supporting clients through a comprehensive suite of deposit and lending products while fostering market growth.

Leadership Roles at Bank OZK

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - George Gleason
  • Chief Financial Officer - Timothy Hicks
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cynthia Wolfe
  • Senior President, Vice Commercial Banking - Hollis Ard
  • President, Market, Commercial Banking (Houston) - Neil Ridgley
  • Division President - Shirley Edmond
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jeannie Billingsley
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Tamara Gotham
  • Chief Communications Officer - Michelle Rossow
  • Regional Executive - Renee Hersh
  • George Gleason - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    George Gleason, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Bank OZK, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the institution. Gleason guides the company's comprehensive retail and commercial banking services, ensuring the delivery of diverse deposit products and a wide array of lending solutions. Overseeing the strategic deployment of capital, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of services including real estate, consumer, business purpose, and specialized financing like business aviation and subscription financing. This leadership ensures the bank's robust market presence and financial stability. By focusing on core banking principles and innovative product development, George Gleason solidifies Bank OZK's position as a leading financial services provider, impacting growth across multiple sectors and geographies.
    George Gleason

    Timothy Hicks - Chief Financial Officer

    Timothy Hicks, the Chief Financial Officer at Bank OZK, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management of the institution. Hicks oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, ensuring the bank's financial health and profitability. This leadership role involves managing the financial aspects of diverse revenue streams from deposit products and a comprehensive loan portfolio, encompassing real estate, consumer, business, and specialized financing. By meticulously analyzing financial performance and market trends, the Chief Financial Officer guides investment decisions and risk management strategies. Timothy Hicks ensures compliance with financial regulations and drives initiatives to enhance shareholder value, maintaining the bank's strong financial standing.

    Cynthia Wolfe - Chief Operating Officer

    Cynthia Wolfe, the Chief Operating Officer at Bank OZK, manages the day-to-day operational framework supporting the bank's extensive service offerings. Wolfe oversees the efficient processing and delivery of all retail and commercial banking services, ensuring seamless client experiences across deposit and lending products. This role involves optimizing the operational flow for accounts, including checking, savings, money market, and time deposits, alongside the complex processes for real estate, consumer, business, and specialized loans. By streamlining operational efficiencies, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the bank's capacity to manage a broad portfolio of financial products. Cynthia Wolfe drives the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring operational readiness for new market opportunities and maintaining high standards of service delivery across all banking functions.
    Cynthia Wolfe

    Hollis Ard - Senior President, Vice Commercial Banking

    Hollis Ard, the Senior President, Vice Commercial Banking at Bank OZK, leads the strategic growth and operational execution within the commercial banking division. Ard oversees the development and delivery of specialized financial solutions, including commercial and industrial loans, government guaranteed loans, and small business financing, to support business clients. This leadership role is integral to expanding the bank's market share by fostering strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities across various industries. By driving performance and ensuring client satisfaction, the Senior President, Vice Commercial Banking enhances the bank's reputation as a trusted financial partner. Hollis Ard's expertise is critical in navigating complex financial landscapes and achieving commercial banking objectives.

    Neil Ridgley - President, Market, Commercial Banking (Houston)

    Neil Ridgley, the President, Market, Commercial Banking (Houston) at Bank OZK, directs the commercial banking operations and market strategy specifically within the Houston region. Ridgley focuses on expanding the bank's commercial client base by offering tailored lending products, including commercial and industrial loans and business purpose financing, to meet the unique needs of the Houston market. This leadership position involves cultivating key business relationships and driving revenue growth through strategic market penetration. By ensuring operational excellence and client-centric service delivery, the President, Market, Commercial Banking (Houston) strengthens Bank OZK's presence in this vital economic hub. Neil Ridgley's market-specific expertise is essential for achieving commercial banking success in the region.

    Shirley Edmond - Division President

    Shirley Edmond, the Division President at Bank OZK, oversees a significant division, driving strategic initiatives and operational performance. Edmond is responsible for managing a portfolio of banking services, ensuring alignment with the company's overall mission and financial objectives. This leadership role involves guiding teams to deliver exceptional retail and commercial banking services, including a wide range of deposit and lending products. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, the Division President enhances client satisfaction and contributes to sustained business growth. Shirley Edmond's strategic oversight is crucial for optimizing divisional operations and achieving key performance indicators across the bank.

    Jeannie Billingsley - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jeannie Billingsley, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Bank OZK, leads the strategic development and execution of human capital initiatives. Billingsley oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce to support the bank's extensive retail and commercial banking services. This role is critical in aligning HR strategies with the company's mission to provide diverse deposit and lending products. By fostering a supportive work environment and implementing effective talent management programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer enhances employee engagement and retention. Jeannie Billingsley drives initiatives that build a robust organizational capacity, essential for the bank's continued growth and operational excellence across all banking functions.
    Jeannie Billingsley

    Tamara Gotham - Chief Administrative Officer

    Tamara Gotham, the Chief Administrative Officer at Bank OZK, manages the critical administrative functions that support the bank's operational infrastructure. Gotham oversees essential services, including facilities management, procurement, and corporate governance, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all business units. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the operational integrity required for delivering diverse retail and commercial banking services, from deposit accounts to various lending products. By optimizing administrative processes and resource allocation, the Chief Administrative Officer enhances overall organizational efficiency and compliance. Tamara Gotham ensures that the bank's administrative framework effectively supports its strategic objectives and client service commitments.

    Michelle Rossow - Chief Communications Officer

    Michelle Rossow, the Chief Communications Officer at Bank OZK, directs the strategic communication efforts and public relations initiatives for the institution. Rossow oversees the development and dissemination of key messages, ensuring consistent and effective communication with stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the broader financial community. This role is crucial for articulating the bank's value proposition across its diverse retail and commercial banking services, including its comprehensive range of deposit and lending products. By managing corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens brand perception and market trust. Michelle Rossow ensures that all external and internal communications align with Bank OZK's mission and strategic goals.

    Renee Hersh - Regional Executive

    Renee Hersh, the Regional Executive at Bank OZK, spearheads the strategic direction and operational oversight for designated geographic markets. Hersh drives the expansion and performance of the bank's retail and commercial banking services within these regions, focusing on client acquisition and relationship management. This leadership role involves tailoring the delivery of diverse deposit products and lending solutions to meet specific regional market demands. By cultivating strong local market presence and fostering client loyalty, the Regional Executive ensures sustained business growth. Renee Hersh plays a pivotal part in executing Bank OZK's broader market penetration strategies, contributing significantly to the institution's overall success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bank OZK Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bank OZK?
    Bank OZK is led by George Gleason (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Timothy Hicks (Chief Financial Officer) and Cynthia Wolfe (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Bank OZK’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bank OZK includes leaders such as George Gleason (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Timothy Hicks (Chief Financial Officer), Cynthia Wolfe (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bank OZK have?
    Bank OZK has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bank OZK’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bank OZK includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior President, Vice Commercial Banking, President, Market, Commercial Banking (Houston).