Hancock Whitney Bank Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hancock Whitney Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, technology, commercial banking, and regional market development.

Driven by a commitment to community and client success, Hancock Whitney Bank provides comprehensive financial products and services across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, fostering economic growth through robust banking and trust solutions.

Leadership Roles at Hancock Whitney Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ward Curtis
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Achary
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Omner
  • President Whitney Bank - Joseph Exnicios
  • Market President - Joshua Jones
  • Ascension Market President - Kevin Schexnayder
  • Senior Regional President, Greater Orleans Market - Gary Lorio
  • Market President - Steve Stein
  • Lake Charles Market President - James Richard
  • Chief Information Officer - Bill O'Donnell
  • Ward Curtis - Chief Executive Officer

    Ward Curtis, the Chief Executive Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs the overall corporate strategy and operational framework. Curtis guides the institution's expansion across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, ensuring alignment with market demands and client needs. Overseeing all major business units, Curtis drives initiatives that enhance profitability and market share. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the board of directors to set long-term financial objectives and maintain robust governance. By focusing on sustainable growth and operational excellence, Ward Curtis ensures Hancock Whitney Bank remains a trusted financial partner, delivering comprehensive banking, trust, and mortgage services throughout its operational footprint.

    Michael Achary - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Achary, the Chief Financial Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, manages all financial planning, risk management, and reporting activities. Achary oversees the fiscal health of the organization, ensuring robust capital allocation and liquidity management across its extensive network in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This executive directs treasury operations, investor relations, and accounting functions, providing critical financial insights to support strategic decision-making. By optimizing financial performance and maintaining strong regulatory compliance, Michael Achary ensures the bank's stability and profitability. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to evaluating new investment opportunities and managing the financial implications of the company's comprehensive service offerings, including commercial banking and mortgage services.

    Joseph Omner - Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Omner, the Chief Operating Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across all banking and financial center locations. Omner oversees the integration of technology and process improvements to streamline service delivery throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This leadership position involves managing critical operational functions, including customer service, branch operations, and back-office support, ensuring seamless delivery of comprehensive financial products. By optimizing workflows and enhancing operational resilience, Joseph Omner supports the bank's strategic goals of client satisfaction and market expansion. The Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on driving operational excellence and ensuring the effective deployment of resources to meet the diverse needs of commercial and retail clients.

    Joseph Exnicios - President Whitney Bank

    Joseph Exnicios, the President Whitney Bank at Hancock Whitney Bank, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for the Whitney Bank division. Exnicios drives the expansion and performance of banking operations across key markets, including Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, focusing on delivering comprehensive financial products and services. This executive role involves fostering strong client relationships and ensuring the effective execution of commercial and small business banking strategies. By championing client-centric initiatives, Joseph Exnicios enhances the bank's market presence and service delivery. The President Whitney Bank's leadership is integral to maintaining the institution's reputation for trusted financial guidance and robust community engagement throughout its service areas.

    Joshua Jones - Market President

    Joshua Jones, the Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, spearheads business development and client engagement within a designated market region. Jones cultivates strategic partnerships and drives revenue growth by overseeing commercial and small business banking initiatives tailored to local economic conditions. This leadership position involves managing client relationships and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive financial solutions, including traditional and online banking services. By focusing on community needs and market dynamics, Joshua Jones strengthens Hancock Whitney Bank's presence and impact. The Market President's role is critical in translating the bank's broader strategic objectives into localized success, ensuring client satisfaction and sustained business expansion.

    Kevin Schexnayder - Ascension Market President

    Kevin Schexnayder, the Ascension Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs market-specific growth strategies and client relationship management in the Ascension region. Schexnayder champions the bank's comprehensive financial products and services, including commercial banking and mortgage solutions, to meet the unique demands of local businesses and individuals. This executive role involves fostering strong community ties and ensuring the effective deployment of banking resources to support economic development. By focusing on localized market penetration and client retention, Kevin Schexnayder enhances Hancock Whitney Bank's regional footprint. The Ascension Market President's leadership is vital for driving market share and delivering exceptional service within the Ascension area.

    Gary Lorio - Senior Regional President, Greater Orleans Market

    Gary Lorio, the Senior Regional President, Greater Orleans Market at Hancock Whitney Bank, leads strategic initiatives and operational performance across the Greater New Orleans region. Lorio oversees the delivery of comprehensive financial products and services, including commercial, private banking, and trust services, to a diverse client base. This executive role involves cultivating key client relationships and driving market share growth through targeted business development efforts. By ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and local market needs, Gary Lorio strengthens Hancock Whitney Bank's position in the Greater Orleans area. The Senior Regional President's focus is on maximizing regional profitability and client satisfaction through expert financial guidance and robust service offerings.

    Steve Stein - Market President

    Steve Stein, the Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, drives market-specific business development and client acquisition strategies. Stein focuses on expanding the bank's reach by promoting its comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including commercial lending and wealth management solutions, to businesses and individuals within the designated market. This leadership role emphasizes building and maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring personalized service delivery. By understanding local economic drivers and client needs, Steve Stein enhances Hancock Whitney Bank's competitive advantage. The Market President's efforts are crucial for achieving regional growth targets and reinforcing the bank's commitment to community financial well-being.

    James Richard - Lake Charles Market President

    James Richard, the Lake Charles Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs market strategy and client engagement within the Lake Charles area. Richard champions the bank's extensive financial products and services, including commercial banking, trust, and mortgage solutions, to meet the specific needs of the local economy. This executive role involves fostering robust client relationships and driving business growth through targeted outreach and service excellence. By ensuring the effective implementation of banking strategies, James Richard strengthens Hancock Whitney Bank's presence and impact in Lake Charles. The Lake Charles Market President's leadership is instrumental in delivering tailored financial solutions and supporting community economic vitality.

    Bill O'Donnell - Chief Information Officer

    Bill O'Donnell, the Chief Information Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, architects and executes the bank's technology strategy, ensuring robust and secure digital infrastructure. O'Donnell oversees the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions that support comprehensive financial products and services across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This role involves managing all aspects of information technology, including cybersecurity, data management, and digital banking platforms, to enhance client experience and operational efficiency. By driving technological advancements, Bill O'Donnell ensures Hancock Whitney Bank maintains a competitive edge in the financial services sector. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision is crucial for supporting the bank's growth objectives and safeguarding sensitive client information through advanced IT systems.

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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 Ward Curtis (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Achary (Chief Financial Officer) and Joseph Omner (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Hancock Whitney Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hancock Whitney Bank includes leaders such as Ward Curtis (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Achary (Chief Financial Officer), Joseph Omner (Chief Operating Officer) 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 Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President Whitney Bank, Market President.