Hancock Whitney Bank Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hancock Whitney Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, marketing, and market leadership.

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

Leadership Roles at Hancock Whitney Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ward Curtis
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kari Mainelli
  • Chief Operating Officer - Shane Loper
  • Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President - Jonathan Davis
  • Market President - Joshua Jones
  • President, Market Pensacola & Emerald Coast Markets - Bruce Vredenburg
  • President, Market (Baton Rouge) - Henry Schexnayder
  • Market President - Thomas Deison
  • Southwest Louisiana Market President - Grant Guillotte
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Laura Sullivan
  • Ward Curtis - Chief Executive Officer

    Ward Curtis, the Chief Executive Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework. Curtis guides the institution's expansion across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, ensuring alignment with market demands and financial objectives. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for commercial and small business banking, private banking, trust and investment services, healthcare banking, and mortgage operations. Curtis also oversees the company's loan production offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and the greater Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of innovation and client-centric service, directly impacting the bank's market position and long-term financial health. By championing strategic initiatives, Ward Curtis ensures Hancock Whitney Bank maintains its competitive edge and commitment to serving its diverse client base.

    Kari Mainelli - Chief Financial Officer

    Kari Mainelli, the Chief Financial Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, manages all fiscal operations and financial planning. Mainelli directs the allocation of capital, oversees budgeting processes, and ensures robust financial reporting across the bank's extensive network in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This critical role involves managing investor relations, optimizing financial performance, and mitigating financial risks associated with traditional and online banking, commercial lending, and mortgage services. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic insights are vital for guiding investment decisions and supporting the growth of private banking, trust, and healthcare banking divisions. Mainelli also plays a key part in the financial oversight of loan production offices in Nashville and Atlanta. By maintaining stringent financial controls and driving fiscal discipline, Kari Mainelli ensures the sustained profitability and stability of Hancock Whitney Bank.

    Shane Loper - Chief Operating Officer

    Shane Loper, the Chief Operating Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, oversees the day-to-day operational efficiency and service delivery across all banking and financial centers. Loper directs the implementation of streamlined processes for traditional and online banking, commercial and small business banking, and mortgage services throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This executive focuses on optimizing the operational infrastructure supporting private banking, trust and investment services, and healthcare banking. Shane Loper also manages the operational integration of loan production offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. By enhancing operational workflows and ensuring seamless service delivery, Loper directly contributes to client satisfaction and the bank's overall market competitiveness. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic focus on operational excellence underpins Hancock Whitney Bank's ability to scale and adapt to evolving market needs.
    Shane Loper

    Jonathan Davis - Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President

    Jonathan Davis, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President at Hancock Whitney Bank, drives strategic initiatives focused on operational scaling and technological integration. Davis spearheads the enhancement of digital banking platforms and the optimization of service delivery across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This role involves overseeing the operational frameworks for commercial banking, small business lending, and mortgage services, ensuring robust support for private banking and trust operations. Jonathan Davis also directs the strategic alignment of loan production offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia, with the bank's broader operational goals. By focusing on process innovation and system efficiency, Davis ensures Hancock Whitney Bank can effectively manage its expanding footprint and diverse service offerings. The Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President's leadership is crucial for maintaining operational agility and supporting the bank's growth objectives.

    Joshua Jones - Market President

    Joshua Jones, the Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, leads strategic growth and client relations within a designated market region. Jones directs business development efforts, ensuring the bank's comprehensive financial products and services effectively meet local client needs across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This role involves fostering strong relationships with commercial and small business clients, private banking customers, and mortgage applicants. The Market President is responsible for overseeing local banking operations and driving market share growth. Joshua Jones also collaborates with other market leaders to ensure consistent service delivery and brand representation. By championing the bank's commitment to community and client success, Jones plays a vital role in Hancock Whitney Bank's regional expansion and sustained market presence.

    Bruce Vredenburg - President, Market Pensacola & Emerald Coast Markets

    Bruce Vredenburg, the President, Market Pensacola & Emerald Coast Markets at Hancock Whitney Bank, spearheads regional business development and client engagement. Vredenburg directs market strategy and operational oversight for the Pensacola and Emerald Coast areas, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive financial products and services. This leadership role focuses on strengthening relationships with commercial clients, small businesses, and individual customers throughout these key Florida markets. The President, Market Pensacola & Emerald Coast Markets is instrumental in driving market penetration and expanding the bank's footprint in these vibrant economic regions. Bruce Vredenburg's deep understanding of local market dynamics enables Hancock Whitney Bank to tailor its offerings and provide exceptional service, contributing significantly to regional growth and client satisfaction.

    Henry Schexnayder - President, Market (Baton Rouge)

    Henry Schexnayder, the President, Market (Baton Rouge) at Hancock Whitney Bank, leads strategic initiatives and client relationship management within the Baton Rouge market. Schexnayder directs local business development efforts, ensuring the effective deployment of the bank's diverse financial products and services to meet regional economic demands. This executive focuses on cultivating strong partnerships with commercial and small business clients, private banking customers, and mortgage clients in the Louisiana capital region. The President, Market (Baton Rouge) plays a crucial role in enhancing Hancock Whitney Bank's visibility and market share within this key area. Henry Schexnayder's leadership ensures that the bank's commitment to community and client success is actively demonstrated, driving sustained growth and reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner.

    Thomas Deison - Market President

    Thomas Deison, the Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, drives strategic growth and client engagement within a specific market territory. Deison oversees local operations and business development, ensuring the bank's comprehensive financial products and services effectively address the needs of clients across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This role emphasizes building robust relationships with commercial and small business clients, private banking customers, and individuals seeking mortgage services. The Market President is responsible for expanding the bank's regional presence and market penetration. Thomas Deison's leadership ensures that Hancock Whitney Bank consistently delivers exceptional service and tailored financial solutions, contributing directly to the economic vitality of the communities it serves.

    Grant Guillotte - Southwest Louisiana Market President

    Grant Guillotte, the Southwest Louisiana Market President at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs regional business development and client relationship management. Guillotte spearheads market strategy and operational oversight for Southwest Louisiana, ensuring the seamless delivery of comprehensive financial products and services. This leadership position focuses on cultivating strong connections with commercial and small business clients, private banking customers, and mortgage applicants throughout this vital economic region. The Southwest Louisiana Market President is pivotal in expanding Hancock Whitney Bank's market share and reinforcing its commitment to local economic growth. Grant Guillotte's expertise in regional market dynamics enables the bank to provide targeted financial solutions and exceptional service, solidifying its role as a key financial institution.

    Laura Sullivan - Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Laura Sullivan, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Hancock Whitney Bank, directs all brand strategy and customer acquisition initiatives. Sullivan oversees the development and execution of marketing campaigns that promote the bank's comprehensive financial products and services across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This leadership position involves shaping the bank's market presence for traditional and online banking, commercial and small business banking, private banking, trust and investment services, healthcare banking, and mortgage services. The Chief Marketing Officer also guides the marketing efforts for loan production offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. By enhancing brand visibility and driving customer engagement, Laura Sullivan directly supports revenue growth and market penetration. Her strategic direction ensures Hancock Whitney Bank resonates with its target audiences and maintains a strong competitive position.

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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 Kari Mainelli (Chief Financial Officer) and Shane Loper (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), Kari Mainelli (Chief Financial Officer), Shane Loper (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, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, Market President.