First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, human capital, operational infrastructure, and risk management.

Committed to long-term financial stability and customer-centric service, First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company delivers comprehensive banking solutions through a robust nationwide network while maintaining a legacy of trust and community-focused growth.

Leadership Roles at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Frank Holding
  • Chief Financial Officer - Craig Nix
  • Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology - Laura Wallwork
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - West Ludwig
  • CIOO Chief of Staff - Kristina Osores-Evans
  • Senior Vice President and Senior Director, Business Planning Strategy and Support (Chief of Staff) - Justin Simone
  • Head To The of Credit Administration & Infrastructure Chief of Staff - Caitlin Bertha
  • Senior Business Analyst & HR Governance & Office Chief of Staff - Haley Jones
  • Chief Information Officer, Hogan Core Banking - Zaeem Motara
  • Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff - Risk Management - Renata Spencer
  • Frank Holding - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Frank Holding, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire financial institution. Overseeing the expansion of the nationwide branch network, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures that retail and commercial banking services remain competitive across diverse markets. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to align corporate objectives with long-term shareholder value. By prioritizing sustainable growth and prudent risk management, Frank Holding maintains the institutional integrity established in 1898. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer monitors the performance of all deposit products and loan portfolios, ensuring that the bank meets the evolving needs of customers in states like Arizona and California. Through disciplined capital allocation and a focus on operational excellence, Holding secures the market position of the organization while fostering a culture of stability and professional service.
    Frank Holding

    Craig Nix - Chief Financial Officer

    Craig Nix, the Chief Financial Officer at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, treasury management, and investment advisory services, the Chief Financial Officer ensures accurate accounting for the extensive loan portfolio and deposit products. This role requires constant collaboration with executive leadership to optimize balance sheet performance and liquidity across the nationwide footprint. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Craig Nix drives the financial strategy that supports the bank's growth in regions like Georgia and Colorado. The Chief Financial Officer monitors regulatory compliance and capital adequacy, providing the necessary data to inform strategic decision-making. Through rigorous oversight of financial operations, Nix maintains the fiscal discipline required to support the bank's diverse range of mortgage, construction, and consumer lending activities while ensuring long-term profitability for the institution.
    Craig Nix

    Laura Wallwork - Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology

    Laura Wallwork, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, manages the financial performance of the bank's critical technology and operational infrastructure. Overseeing budget allocation for digital banking platforms and IT systems, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology ensures that investments in technology yield measurable improvements in service delivery. This role involves analyzing the cost-efficiency of operational processes to support the bank's nationwide expansion. By providing financial oversight for the technology division, Laura Wallwork drives the fiscal discipline necessary to maintain robust ATM networks and digital banking services. The Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology collaborates with other financial leaders to ensure that operational spending aligns with the bank's broader strategic goals. Through detailed financial modeling and performance tracking, Wallwork supports the bank's ability to provide seamless banking experiences to retail and commercial customers across multiple states.

    West Ludwig - Chief Human Resources Officer

    West Ludwig, the Chief Human Resources Officer at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that support the bank's nationwide operations. Overseeing workforce planning, employee engagement, and performance management, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution attracts and retains top-tier professionals capable of delivering high-quality banking services. This leadership role involves aligning human capital initiatives with the broader corporate mission to provide exceptional retail and commercial banking experiences. By implementing robust training programs and fostering a culture of excellence, West Ludwig drives the internal capabilities necessary for the bank to succeed in competitive markets like Florida and Arizona. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that organizational structures support the bank's strategic goals. Through effective talent management, Ludwig strengthens the operational foundation that allows the bank to provide consistent trust administration and wealth management services.
    West Ludwig

    Kristina Osores-Evans - CIOO Chief of Staff

    Kristina Osores-Evans, the CIOO Chief of Staff at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, coordinates the operational priorities and strategic initiatives within the technology and operations divisions. Overseeing the integration of digital banking platforms and ATM networks, the CIOO Chief of Staff ensures that technical infrastructure aligns with the bank's commitment to customer accessibility. This role involves facilitating communication between technical teams and executive leadership to streamline project execution and resource allocation. By managing complex operational workflows, Kristina Osores-Evans drives efficiency across the nationwide branch network. The CIOO Chief of Staff monitors the implementation of new banking technologies, ensuring that these tools enhance the delivery of merchant services and treasury management solutions. Through proactive management of the operational agenda, Osores-Evans supports the bank's ability to scale its digital offerings while maintaining the high standards of service expected by retail and commercial clients throughout the United States.

    Justin Simone - Senior Vice President and Senior Director, Business Planning Strategy and Support (Chief of Staff)

    Justin Simone, the Senior Vice President and Senior Director, Business Planning Strategy and Support (Chief of Staff) at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, directs the strategic planning processes that guide the bank's long-term growth. Overseeing business support functions and cross-departmental initiatives, the Senior Vice President and Senior Director, Business Planning Strategy and Support (Chief of Staff) ensures that all divisions remain focused on core objectives. This role involves synthesizing market data to inform the development of new deposit products and loan services. By coordinating with various business units, Justin Simone drives the alignment of operational activities with the bank's overarching mission. The Senior Vice President and Senior Director, Business Planning Strategy and Support (Chief of Staff) monitors the progress of key strategic projects, ensuring that the bank maintains its competitive edge in diverse regional markets. Through rigorous planning and support, Simone facilitates the execution of initiatives that enhance the bank's wealth management and trust administration capabilities.

    Caitlin Bertha - Head To The of Credit Administration & Infrastructure Chief of Staff

    Caitlin Bertha, the Head To The of Credit Administration & Infrastructure Chief of Staff at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, manages the administrative framework supporting the bank's extensive loan portfolio. Overseeing the infrastructure for credit risk assessment and mortgage processing, the Head To The of Credit Administration & Infrastructure Chief of Staff ensures that lending operations remain efficient and compliant. This role involves coordinating with credit teams to streamline the approval process for commercial and residential mortgages. By optimizing the administrative systems that underpin the bank's lending activities, Caitlin Bertha drives the operational capacity required to serve a diverse customer base. The Head To The of Credit Administration & Infrastructure Chief of Staff monitors the performance of credit infrastructure, ensuring that the bank can effectively manage its construction and consumer loan portfolios. Through proactive administrative leadership, Bertha supports the bank's commitment to responsible lending and financial stability across its nationwide footprint.

    Haley Jones - Senior Business Analyst & HR Governance & Office Chief of Staff

    Haley Jones, the Senior Business Analyst & HR Governance & Office Chief of Staff at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, directs the governance frameworks and analytical processes within the human resources division. Overseeing the implementation of HR policies and the analysis of workforce data, the Senior Business Analyst & HR Governance & Office Chief of Staff ensures that organizational practices align with regulatory requirements and corporate standards. This role involves evaluating the effectiveness of HR programs to support the bank's nationwide workforce. By providing data-driven insights, Haley Jones drives the continuous improvement of human resources operations. The Senior Business Analyst & HR Governance & Office Chief of Staff coordinates with leadership to ensure that governance structures support the bank's mission of providing exceptional service. Through meticulous analysis and policy oversight, Jones maintains the integrity of the bank's internal operations, ensuring that the organization remains well-positioned to attract and retain the talent necessary for sustained growth.

    Zaeem Motara - Chief Information Officer, Hogan Core Banking

    Zaeem Motara, the Chief Information Officer, Hogan Core Banking at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, architects the core banking systems that power the institution's financial services. Overseeing the maintenance and modernization of the Hogan core banking platform, the Chief Information Officer, Hogan Core Banking ensures that the bank's foundational technology remains secure, scalable, and reliable. This role involves managing the technical architecture that supports deposit products, loan processing, and transaction management. By driving the evolution of core banking systems, Zaeem Motara enables the bank to deliver consistent and efficient services across its nationwide branch network. The Chief Information Officer, Hogan Core Banking collaborates with other technology leaders to integrate core systems with digital banking platforms and merchant services. Through technical leadership and strategic system management, Motara ensures that the bank's core infrastructure supports the complex needs of retail and commercial customers while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and operational performance.

    Renata Spencer - Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff - Risk Management

    Renata Spencer, the Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff - Risk Management at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, coordinates the risk management strategies that protect the institution's assets and reputation. Overseeing the administrative functions of the risk management division, the Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff - Risk Management ensures that the bank effectively identifies and mitigates potential threats across its diverse loan and investment portfolios. This role involves facilitating communication between risk teams and executive leadership to ensure that risk appetite remains aligned with corporate strategy. By managing the operational agenda for risk oversight, Renata Spencer drives the implementation of robust compliance and security measures. The Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff - Risk Management monitors the effectiveness of risk mitigation efforts, ensuring that the bank remains resilient in the face of market volatility. Through proactive coordination and strategic oversight, Spencer supports the bank's commitment to maintaining a secure and stable financial environment for all customers.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company?
    First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company is led by Frank Holding (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Craig Nix (Chief Financial Officer) and Laura Wallwork (Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology).
    Who is part of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company’s executive team?
    The executive team of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company includes leaders such as Frank Holding (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Craig Nix (Chief Financial Officer), Laura Wallwork (Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company have?
    First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Division Chief Financial Officer, Operations & Technology, Chief Human Resources Officer, CIOO Chief of Staff.