Financial Institutions names Reid Whiting chief banking officer

Financial Institutions announced changes to its executive leadership team and an associated realignment to strengthen its ability to execute on its long-term strategy and risk functions. Reid A. Whiting, who formerly served as Senior Vice President, Director of Indirect and Fintech Lending Solutions, was named Chief Banking Officer. Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Blake G. Jones, a 20-year marketing and communications veteran, was also appointed to the executive leadership team, reporting directly into Mr. Birmingham and her span of control has been expanded to include enterprise sales. Her elevation to the Company’s executive ranks ensures that marketing, brand strategy and enterprise sales are aligned more closely with the Company’s long-term strategy and better positioned to support the success of Five Star and its affiliates. Additionally, several executives will assume expanded leadership responsibilities, ensuring the Company is better situated to serve its internal and external stakeholders. The Company’s operations, product, and technology areas will move under Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer W. Jack Plants II, leveraging Mr. Plants’ financial services and operational expertise. Chief Risk Officer Gary A. Pacos, who has more than 30 years of risk management experience, assumes executive oversight of all credit administration, while Chief Human Resources Officer Laurie R. Collins will now take on ownership of enterprise-wide training and incentive planning, supporting the Company’s disciplined and consistent focus on the development of talent. The Company also announced that Chief Administrative Officer Sean M. Willett is pursuing a new opportunity as CEO of an out-of-market bank and will remain with the Company through year-end to support a smooth transition of the functions he previously oversaw. In addition, Chief Community Banking Officer Justin K. Bigham has resigned.