(Source: Business Wire)
NewAlliance Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: NAL), announced today the appointment of C. Gene Kirby as President, effective April 27th, 2009. In his new position, Mr. Kirby will oversee each of NewAlliance Bank's primary lines of business -- Retail Banking, Business Banking, Trust Services and NewAlliance Investments. He will report directly to NewAlliance Chairman and CEO Peyton R. Patterson.
Mr. Kirby joins NewAlliance after 24 years with Atlanta-based SunTrust Bank. Over the course of his tenure with SunTrust, he gained broad management experience and deep business line expertise. In his most recent role, he was Corporate Executive Vice President, responsible for the retail banking line of business, the commercial line of business, consumer product management, call center operations and corporate marketing. Previously, he oversaw all facets of SunTrust's eBusiness strategy, including internet marketing, product development, website content and all web-based services.
"Gene is an extraordinary banker, so it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome him to the NewAlliance team," said Ms. Patterson. "He adds substantial depth to what was already a strong and accomplished slate of senior executives. Throughout his career, Gene has consistently demonstrated the ability to develop forward-looking business strategies and drive bottom line growth. In lockstep with his record of high performance is a core belief in the community banking model. As a result, he's an outstanding fit for NewAlliance, and he joins us at time when we believe there are sizable and distinct opportunities ahead for the Bank."
Mr. Kirby is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and earned his MBA from Duke University. He is currently Chairman-Elect of the Consumer Bankers Association, an organization that Ms. Patterson also serves. Mr. Kirby has been an active member of the community during his banking career, serving organizations such as United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club, Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity.
"I am truly honored to be joining NewAlliance Bank at this unique time in its history," said Mr. Kirby. "As so many other financial institutions are struggling, NewAlliance stands out not only for its financial strength and healthy balance sheet, but also for the way it is actively reaching out and engaging with customers and communities during this challenging time. That speaks volumes about what lies at the heart of this organization, and is an exceptional example of community banking at its best. I'm a firm believer that it's this kind of banking that customers and communities deserve, and are seeking today. As a result NewAlliance has a strong foundation from which to grow and I'm excited to be part of this team."
NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc. is a New Haven, Connecticut headquartered regional banking and financial services company and the parent company of NewAlliance Bank, the third largest bank headquartered in Connecticut and the fourth largest headquartered in New England. In addition to offering a full range of consumer and commercial banking services, NewAlliance Bank also provides trust services and investment and insurance products and services. On December 31, 2008, the Company had $8.3 billion in assets and $4.4 billion in deposits.
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