Business & Tech

Synovus Names Stelling Chairman of the Board

The banker advanced to the top spot of Bank of North Georgia's parent company in less than six years.

Kessell Stelling has been elected to serve as president and CEO of Synovus Financial Corp., the parent company of Bank of North Georgia.

Stelling succeeds Richard E. Anthony as chairman of the Board of the Columbus-based company, effective Jan. 1, 2012.  Anthony will remain on the Board as a director until the expiration of his current term at Synovus’ 2012 annual shareholders’ meeting.

Stelling joined Synovus in March 2006 when the company purchased Riverside Bancshares Inc. and merged it with Atlanta-based affiliate Bank of North Georgia. Alpharetta residents might have seen him around town at events after he was named president and CEO of Alpharetta-based Bank of North Georgia. In June 2008, he became Regional CEO for the entire metro Atlanta market of Synovus. Stelling was named Synovus president and Chief Operating Officer in February 2010, and president and Chief Executive Officer in October 2010.

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In June 2005, Anthony was elected president and CEO of Synovus, adding the title of chairman in 2006.  During his five year tenure as CEO, he led the restructuring of the company through the consolidation of 30 charters to one charter, two successful capital raises, and a streamlining of the company’s operating model.

“Richard’s leadership has been vital to the strength and resilience of Synovus,” said Stelling.  “We will always be grateful for the wisdom and experience he brought to the company.”

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Synovus is a financial services company with $28 billion in assets based in Columbus, Georgia. Synovus Financial Corp.'s bank divisions provide commercial and retail banking, investment and mortgage services to customers in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.


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