Hancock Whitney Bank Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hancock Whitney Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial strategy, market operations, and client services.

Committed to regional economic prosperity, Hancock Whitney Bank delivers comprehensive financial solutions across the Gulf South while maintaining a focus on community-centered banking and sustainable growth for all clients.

Leadership Roles at Hancock Whitney Bank

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Achary
  • Lake Charles Market President - James Richard
  • Market President - Will Pyle
  • Market President - Andrew McGinnis
  • Ascension Market President - Kevin Schexnayder
  • President - Shane Loper
  • Hattiesburg Market President - Michael Schloegel
  • Chief Information Officer - William O'Donnell
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Ronald Milliet
  • Financial Service Associate - Martha Baril
  • Michael Achary - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Achary, the Chief Financial Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire corporate entity. Achary manages financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and investor relations to ensure transparency and stability across the bank's diverse portfolio of financial products. By analyzing market trends in the Gulf South, the Chief Financial Officer architects capital structures that support sustainable growth and dividend performance. Michael Achary coordinates with the Board to evaluate risk-adjusted returns on commercial and small business banking assets. This leadership position requires precise management of liquidity and balance sheet strength to navigate the complexities of the regional financial landscape. Through rigorous financial planning and analysis, Achary secures the resources needed for expansion into new markets while maintaining strict adherence to federal and state banking regulations. Ultimately, Achary sustains the financial integrity of the institution through disciplined oversight of all monetary operations.

    James Richard - Lake Charles Market President

    James Richard, the Lake Charles Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs all banking operations and business development initiatives within the Lake Charles region. Richard manages local commercial and small business banking portfolios, ensuring that clients receive tailored financial products that meet specific regional needs. The Lake Charles Market President cultivates relationships with local business leaders to drive economic growth and expand the bank's market share. James Richard oversees the performance of local financial centers, focusing on deposit growth and loan production quality. By aligning local strategies with the broader corporate mission, Richard ensures that the bank remains a pillar of the community. This role involves active participation in regional economic development projects and the management of local staff to maintain high service standards. Through the efforts of Richard, the bank strengthens its presence in the Louisiana market while delivering consistent value to both individual and corporate clients.

    Will Pyle - Market President

    Will Pyle, the Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, manages the strategic execution of banking services across designated regional territories. Pyle oversees the delivery of private banking and investment services, ensuring that high-net-worth clients receive personalized financial guidance. The Market President drives business development by identifying new opportunities for commercial lending and small business support within the assigned geography. Will Pyle coordinates with regional teams to maintain high levels of client satisfaction and operational excellence. By fostering strong community ties, Pyle enhances the bank's reputation as a trusted financial partner. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of local market dynamics and the ability to adapt corporate strategies to meet specific regional challenges. Through the management of Pyle, the bank achieves consistent growth in loan volume and deposit acquisition. Pyle ensures that all regional activities align with the overarching goal of providing comprehensive financial solutions to a diverse client base.

    Andrew McGinnis - Market President

    Andrew McGinnis, the Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, leads the expansion of financial services and client acquisition efforts within the assigned regional market. McGinnis focuses on the growth of commercial banking portfolios, providing businesses with the capital and advisory services necessary for success. The Market President manages the daily operations of local financial centers, ensuring that all staff members adhere to the bank's high standards of service and compliance. Andrew McGinnis cultivates strategic partnerships with local organizations to increase the bank's visibility and impact. By analyzing regional economic indicators, McGinnis adjusts lending strategies to mitigate risk while maximizing growth potential. This role involves mentoring local teams and driving performance metrics that contribute to the bank's overall success. Through the leadership of McGinnis, the bank strengthens its competitive position in the region, delivering reliable financial products that support the unique needs of the local business community and individual customers.

    Kevin Schexnayder - Ascension Market President

    Kevin Schexnayder, the Ascension Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs all banking activities and client relationship management within the Ascension region. Schexnayder oversees the implementation of commercial and retail banking strategies, ensuring that local clients have access to the full suite of financial products offered by the institution. The Ascension Market President drives business growth by identifying and pursuing opportunities in the local market, particularly within the small business and mortgage sectors. Kevin Schexnayder manages the performance of local financial centers, focusing on operational efficiency and customer service excellence. By engaging with the local community, Schexnayder builds trust and loyalty, which are essential for long-term success. This role involves coordinating with regional leadership to ensure that corporate initiatives are effectively executed at the local level. Through the efforts of Schexnayder, the bank maintains a strong market presence and continues to provide essential financial support to the Ascension community.

    Shane Loper - President

    Shane Loper, the President at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs the overall operational strategy and execution of the bank's diverse financial services across all regions. Loper oversees the integration of commercial, private, and retail banking divisions to ensure a unified approach to client service and market expansion. The President manages the alignment of corporate goals with regional performance, driving efficiency and growth across the entire organization. Shane Loper collaborates with other C-suite leaders to refine the bank's business model and respond to evolving market conditions in the Gulf South. This leadership role involves setting the tone for corporate culture, emphasizing community engagement and high-quality financial solutions. By monitoring key performance indicators, Loper ensures that the bank remains profitable and resilient. Through the strategic vision of Loper, the institution continues to provide comprehensive banking services that support the economic development of the communities served while delivering consistent value to shareholders.
    Shane Loper

    Michael Schloegel - Hattiesburg Market President

    Michael Schloegel, the Hattiesburg Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, leads the banking operations and business development efforts within the Hattiesburg area. Schloegel manages the local commercial and small business banking portfolios, ensuring that clients receive customized financial solutions that support their specific goals. The Hattiesburg Market President oversees the performance of local financial centers, focusing on deposit growth and the expansion of mortgage services. Michael Schloegel cultivates relationships with local business leaders and community stakeholders to enhance the bank's market position. By aligning local strategies with the broader corporate mission, Schloegel ensures that the bank remains a trusted financial partner in the region. This role involves active participation in local economic development and the management of staff to maintain high service standards. Through the leadership of Schloegel, the bank strengthens its presence in the Hattiesburg market while delivering consistent value to both individual and corporate clients.

    William O'Donnell - Chief Information Officer

    William O'Donnell, the Chief Information Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks supporting the institution's expansive financial network. O'Donnell manages the integration of secure banking platforms across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas to ensure seamless service delivery for commercial and retail clients. By modernizing core banking systems, the Chief Information Officer optimizes data processing speeds and enhances the overall security posture of the organization. William O'Donnell collaborates with executive leadership to align technological investments with long-term business objectives, specifically focusing on the scalability of online banking services. This role involves mitigating operational risks through advanced threat detection and robust system architecture. Through the implementation of cutting-edge financial technology, O'Donnell drives the digital transformation necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the regional banking sector while protecting sensitive client information across all operational territories.

    Ronald Milliet - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Ronald Milliet, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, leads the strategic deployment of enterprise-wide software solutions and internal network efficiency. Milliet focuses on the operational integration of healthcare banking and trust services into the bank's digital ecosystem to improve client accessibility. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer manages large-scale IT projects that streamline mortgage processing and commercial loan origination workflows. Ronald Milliet ensures that all technological initiatives support the bank's mission of providing high-touch financial services across the Southern United States. By fostering innovation within the IT department, Milliet enhances the functionality of online banking portals and mobile applications. This role involves constant evaluation of emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce overhead costs. Through the leadership of Milliet, the bank maintains a robust technological foundation that supports complex financial transactions and long-term client relationships.
    Ronald Milliet

    Martha Baril - Financial Service Associate

    Martha Baril, the Financial Service Associate at Hancock Whitney Bank, facilitates the delivery of essential banking services and client support within the local financial center. Baril manages daily client interactions, providing assistance with traditional banking products, account management, and financial inquiries. The Financial Service Associate ensures that all transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with bank policies. Martha Baril supports the broader market team by identifying client needs and referring them to specialized services such as mortgage, trust, or commercial banking. By maintaining a high level of service, Baril contributes to the overall client satisfaction and retention goals of the institution. This role involves working closely with branch management to ensure operational efficiency and a positive customer experience. Through the dedication of Baril, the bank maintains strong relationships with individual clients and provides the foundational support necessary for the successful operation of the local financial center.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hancock Whitney Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hancock Whitney Bank?
    Hancock Whitney Bank is led by Michael Achary (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as James Richard (Lake Charles Market President) and Will Pyle (Market President).
    Who is part of Hancock Whitney Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hancock Whitney Bank includes leaders such as Michael Achary (Chief Financial Officer), James Richard (Lake Charles Market President), Will Pyle (Market President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hancock Whitney Bank have?
    Hancock Whitney Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hancock Whitney Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hancock Whitney Bank includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Lake Charles Market President, Market President, Market President, Ascension Market President.